In Episode 2036 of the Joe Rogan Experience, Kurt Angle opens up about WrestleMania XIX. In 2003, Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar was the marquee match at WrestleMania XIX, and a botched maneuver almost derailed the entire match. He illustrates how Lesnar ascended a turnbuckle and prepared to deliver a shooting star to Angle, who was lying flat on his back near the center of the ring.
Lesnar stumbled slightly, coming off the top rope, and landed on his neck just short of Angle, either unsure of the technique or too exhausted to fully perform it. Kurt thought he was dead, and he broke his neck when he landed. Angle Said, “I thought he broke his neck yeah my neck was broken and Brock was supposed to win the title for me when he did this I was like oh I’m gonna have to pin him”.
Angle shares that he was very concerned at this moment and he states “I go and cover him and I’m like please kick out and don’t don’t let me hold this title another month and he kicks out”.
Then Kurt Angle, after breathing, started talking to Brock Lesnar, and he asked, “Are you okay? and he said, I think so.” Then Kurt directed him, “I’m going to pick you up, and I want you to give me the F5. Can you do it? He said, I think so”. Then, following Kurt’s advice, Brock Lesnar hits Angle with F5, managing to follow Angle’s instructions, and Angle drops the title from there on. Hence, Kurt Angle was relieved that everything went according to plan.
Brock Lesnar’s comments on botching a shooting star
Lesnar spoke During his first season with the WWE, he made a memorable shooting star error during the WrestleMania XIX main event. “That was foolish on my behalf,” And thankfully, I didn’t break my neck or anything like that. But I shouldn’t have done that move. I finished the move, I had a concussion. Or I finished the match, I had a concussion. But thankfully, I didn’t (break my neck), that was the worst of it”.
Brock Lesnar acknowledged that Kurt Angle’s care and support helped him get through the endurance match. He also believes that following the mistake, Angle ought to have simply rolled him over and pinned him. “Kurt helped me through, Kurt was talking to me saying ‘Hey,’ you know? But Kurt should’ve just rolled me over and pinned me. He should’ve just said, ‘That’s enough kid,’ and just went off script,'” said Lesnar.
The rivalry and friendship between Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar had a big impact on the world of professional wrestling, and this particular match is often remembered for Lesnar’s infamous failed attempt at a shooting star press.
During their early WWE days, they not only helped each other rise to stardom but also left a lasting impression on fans. Whether they clashed in the ring or teamed up, Angle and Lesnar’s passion and skills have earned them GOAT status in the hearts of wrestling fans.
