Kurt Angle has opened up about becoming close to Ronda Rousey in the lead-up to Rousey’s WWE in-ring debut, saying they had “more of a brother-sister relationship”.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, the Olympic gold medallist discussed how the pair grew close while preparing for the match, which would see them teaming together to take on Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 34.
“We were more of a brother-sister relationship. We grew close very quickly, and we were flying on the company jet, going to training and, you know, trying to be around each other, spending more time together.”
The WWE Hall of Famer said they spent the time training and making sure the former Raw Women’s Champion was well-prepared for the bout.
“Going to NXT, training in the ring, structuring the match. We did that for a few weeks before WrestleMania. We made sure Ronda was well-prepared, that she knew every spot that she had to know, and it worked extremely well.”
Angle says he has kept in touch with Rousey and her husband, Travis Browne, who he also regards as a good friend.
“I had a great relationship with her, and I still do. We keep in touch, I’m really good friends with her husband Travis, and they are just good people.”
Angle and Rousey went on to pick up the victory at the event, with Rousey forcing McMahon to tap out to the armbar in a debut that was widely praised. She would go on to defeat Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women’s Championship at that year’s SummerSlam and held the title until being pinned by Becky Lynch in the triple threat main event of WrestleMania 35 which also included Charlotte Flair.
Also at WrestleMania 35, Kurt Angle had his final match, a loss to Baron Corbin. On his Kurt Angle Show podcast, he has spoken of his disappointment in the direction his return to WWE ended up going. However, it seems that one high point was getting to work with Ronda Rousey.
Credit to Sportskeeda for the transcription