Kurt Angle escaped Hard Justice with the TNA World title. Photo courtesy TNA Wrestling

Before I get into this column full-on, let me preface my topic by saying I'm a huge Kurt Angle fan. The American Olympic hero is definitely one of my favourites to watch and re-watch, and I'd argue with anyone that he's been the greatest wrestler this decade.

Having said that though, it's becoming increasingly evident that Kurt Angle should not be wrestling or for that matter be on TV right now; not from a work standpoint, because he can definitely still get it done in the ring and on the stick, but from the standpoint of a fan who, thanks to recent very public occurrences, now sees a different side of the wrestling expert and only wants what's best for him -- a much needed break from the ring and television.

As most, if not all of you are well aware by now, Angle was arrested this past weekend on a variety of charges, including allegations of stalking former girlfriend Rhakka Kahn (Trenesh Biggers), driving under suspension and possessing human growth hormones (HGH).

All of this made for a dramatic weekend, where fans really questioned whether or not Kurt would appear at this past Sunday's TNA pay-per-view, Hard Justice, retain his Heavyweight title, or be be suspended or not-so-subtly removed from TNA TV.

As we all know now, all three came to fruition. Kurt appeared in Orlando, kept his belt and, as you'll see later tonight, was at the Impact tapings Monday.

All of this is disconcerting to say the least. Kurt is in rough shape and desperately needs help, and it's really feeling like TNA isn't giving him what he truly needs -- time. Time to regroup. Time to set his life on a better path. Time to get himself emotionally set for what will undoubtedly be a very consuming trial.

Unfortunately, Kurt either isn't being afforded this opportunity or is insisting on continuing to work. Regardless of who is pushing who, the bottom line is that a man is showing all the signs of needing serious help is not getting the assistance he needs. In any other setting, an employee with such problems would be given a leave of absence so that they can deal with these matters.

WHAT YOU THINK
Should TNA have kept the World title on Kurt Angle at Hard Justice, given Angle's arrest on Saturday? Yes, it was the right call - 16% No, he should have lost and gone away - 58% Undecided, let's wait and see - 27%

The other effect that Angle's current situation must have would be in the locker room. What does anyone think it does for morale when a major incident like this occurs and there's no punishment, especially in light of the recent situation with Jeff Jarrett after the reported situation involving his relationship with Karen Angle? Additionally, how difficult must it be for the boys and girls backstage when not only is this incident putting two talents on opposite sides of the backstage area, but is also causing a major distraction?

At this point, TNA should not be continuing on, business as usual. There comes a certain point where you can't just say that any publicity is good publicity and have to take action before a problem gets out of control and serious damage is done. The safety of Kurt Angle has to be at the forefront, and while it may cause booking plans to be altered for a few weeks, the well-being of a wrestler who many fans are scared will end up being a front page story for the worst of reasons must come first.

A lot can happen, sadly, between now and Angle's court date in September, and TNA should be doing all it can to best ensure Angle's safety. If it doesn't, I and am sure many other fans fear what could happen. Though the law will determine Kurt's fate a few weeks, maybe even months from now, his employers can go a long way to ensuring that what happens in the interim, and keep one of wrestling's true greats from doing any harm to himself, his coworkers or the industry as a whole.

RELATED LINKS