Chad Gable has often been compared to WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle over the years, as they both have backgrounds in Olympic wrestling. Some WWE Superstars often draw immediate comparisons to legends from the past, and LA Knight is a recent example of this phenomenon. Chad Gable has also dealt with this throughout his career, largely because Kurt Angle established a similar path years ago.
Kurt Angle and Chad Gable share a significant connection that predates their time in WWE. Both men are former Olympic wrestlers who successfully transitioned into the world of professional wrestling. Angle famously won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games, while Gable competed in the 2012 Games. This shared amateur background, combined with their use of in-ring singlets, has not been ignored by WWE fans.
Kurt Angle's Perspective on Chad Gable
Kurt Angle is well aware of the frequent comparisons WWE fans make between himself and Chad Gable. During a recent appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show, the WWE Hall of Famer was asked about his thoughts on the similarities. Angle responded that he does not mind the comparisons and is happy for Gable's success, even if the character feels familiar.
“I think he’s great. I’m just happy that he was able to find his niche. I know it’s kind of identical to mind. If it works for him, I’m happy for him. I think, regardless of whether he did my character or anyone else’s, I think the kid’s incredibly talented. So, I think he would have succeeded either way.”
Angle also elaborated on what he believes might be preventing Gable from reaching the main event level in WWE. He pointed to Gable's physical stature, though he was quick to dismiss it as a valid reason.
Read also: Exploring the Wrestling Excellence of Angle and Gable
“You know, I think the problem with him, and I think it’s only because the office looks at him like this, but he’s a little undersized. But that’s not an excuse. Chris Benoit was five-nine. Eddie Guerrero was five-eight. Rey Mysterio is five-five. So, someone like Chad could certainly be a main eventer.”
The "You Suck" Chants
Angle was also asked about the way that fans chant “You suck” at Chad Gable now. He noted that it was a term of endearment, whereas they initially chanted it at him because they thought he sucked.
“I know, I know. It’s crazy because when they did it to me, when they first started doing it, it was because they thought I really sucked, and for Chad, it’s a term of endearment. Angle previously commented on potentially managing Chad Gable and American Made.
In a recent appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show, Angle discussed Gable’s talent and the “niche” he has carved out for himself, even if it is “kind of identical” to his own legendary character.
Chad Gable's Career and Current Status
Chad Gable is currently out of action and recovering from an injury. Before his hiatus, Gable had transitioned into a frustrated heel character as the leader of the Alpha Academy, which included Otis, Maxxine Dupri, and Akira Tozawa. His primary motivation was his repeated failure to capture the Intercontinental Championship from Sami Zayn.
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In Gable's absence, the "El Grande Americano" gimmick, a masked luchador persona Gable briefly used in NXT, has reportedly been revived.
Angle has already commented to say that he believes Gable could be a future World Champion. Only time will tell what his career in WWE does after his return, but Gable’s time in the ring isn’t over. There is even a stable surrounding that lucha libre influenced character. We will have to see if WWE ever links Kurt Angle up with Chad Gable.
Chad Gable vs Kurt Angle: WWE Raw March 18, 2019 HD [Dream Match]
Similarities and Differences
Kurt Angle and Chad Gable share a strong connection through their wrestling backgrounds prior to WWE. Both are former Olympic wrestlers who transitioned to professional wrestling, with Angle winning gold in 1996 and Gable competing in the 2012 Games. Both men also wear singlets in the ring, which can’t be ignored by fans.
During an appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show, Kurt Angle was asked about how fans have compared Chad Gable to himself. The Olympic Hero responded to say that he doesn’t mind the comparisons, but Gable needs to find his own thing to connect with the fan base, whatever that may be.
“I think he’s great. I’m just happy that he was able to find his niche. I know it’s kind of identical to mind. If it works for him, I’m happy for him. I think, regardless of whether he did my character or anyone else’s, I think the kid’s incredibly talented. So, I think he would have succeeded either way.”
Read also: "Married to Evil": Chad Graves
“You know, I think the problem with him, and I think it’s only because the office looks at him like this, but he’s a little undersized. But that’s not an excuse. Chris Benoit was five-nine. Eddie Guerrero was five-eight. Rey Mysterio is five-five. So, someone like Chad could certainly be a main eventer.
In his absence, the El Grande Americano gimmick has taken on a new life.
“Yeah, that was when I was at my worst [laughs]. It was okay, but Chad made me look good. He did. Chad’s incredible. He’s a very talented kid. I’m just glad that they’re utilizing him properly. I know because he’s undersized a little bit, they didn’t know what to do with him, but this kid could be a world champion and be very marketable. Especially with the gimmick he has right now with the whole USA thing and ‘You suck,’ and everything where it’s like he’s like my son [laughs].
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