WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle recently appeared on Refin’ It Up with Brian Hebner for an interview covering all things pro wrestling. During the discussion, Angle revealed on the podcast what he was told by Vince McMahon concerning Taz and his run in WWE.
Taz, who was with the WWE from 2000 until 2009, debuted for the WWE back at the 2000 Royal Rumble against Angle. He was booked at this event to end Angle’s undefeated streak. Taz, who spent much of his time in the WWE as a color commentator held the WWF Hardcore Title and WWE Tag Team Titles on one occasion with Spike Dudley.
Taz was booked as an undefeatable force in the original ECW but never reached that status during his time in the WWE.
Angle said, “I think the problem was, and this is what Vince told me, he wanted Taz to sell underneath, like he was always fighting for his life because he was smaller, but Taz wanted to be a giant in the ring. He wanted to dominate. Vince was having a problem translating that to Taz. He said, ‘You have to sell. Don’t no-sell’, and that’s what Taz was doing. He was no-selling, and Vince was like, ‘No, I want you to sell all the time. I want these guys to beat the crap out of you and you sneak a win, a victory, and that’s the way I want you to be.’”
Angle continued, “For some reason, Taz didn’t want to do that. He wanted to be a dominating wrestler. I think that’s the reason why things kind of fell apart for Taz. He should have had an incredible future. He was a great wrestler. He cut incredible promos. He had a great look. There was nothing wrong with Taz to be a top guy.”
Kurt Angle also discussed his time in TNA, His first year in the WWE, Feuds with AJ Styles, Samoa Joe and Jeff Jarrett during the interview.
You can listen to the complete podcast below:
(h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription)
