Kurt Angle poses in front of the camera during the 'See No Evil' premiere back in May 2006. (Photo : Getty Images/Michael Buckner)
The WWE is close to preparing for the 2017 Royal Rumble in San Antonio with the goal of selling out the 65,000-seater Alamodome. One of the ways to reach that goal is by having former superstars return at the event and the latest rumors imply that Kurt Angle could be one of them.
According to Justin LaBar of Wrestle Zone, fans should expect to see Angle in the WWE next year and it could happen as early as the Royal Rumble in January. He noted that both Angle and the WWE need it to happen not just for their own personal closure but for all the fans wanting it to happen.
The Olympic hero has been campaigning for a return to the WWE since he departed TNA with several rumors indicating that it will finally happen. However, there is belief inside the WWE that Vince McMahon is worried about Angle's health.
It should be noted that the 47-year-old superstar has undergone neck surgery five times throughout his career. He also has a dark past regarding substance and alcohol abuse which is a big no-no in the WWE.
But Angle has revealed in many interviews in the past couple of years that he has been sober for more than three years. He has also confirmed that he already talked with Triple H and Vince regarding a return but they still cannot decide when to use him.
The 2017 Royal Rumble is a perfect way for Angle to return wherein he will surely get a standing ovation and a massive pop from the San Antonio crowd. It could also lead to a possible feud with a new superstar for WrestleMania 33 in what may be his final match.
However, another possibility for an Angle return will be in the fall when the WWE 2K18 video game is launched. The WWE usually assign a legendary wrestling figure to promote the game with the past several years being Sting, The Ultimate Warrior and Bill Goldberg.
According to Four3Four.com, Angle is the frontrunner to become the pre-order exclusive character for WWE 2K18. If everything plays out perfectly, the Olympic Gold medalist will be in the WWE once again and a possible induction into the WWE Hall of Hame in 2018.
Nevertheless, these are just rumors at the moment and nothing has been confirmed. But one thing is for sure: it is only a matter of time before Angle makes his WWE return. Check out the video below to see Angle's return from a neck injury back in 2003.
