Ray Lewis may have been a terror on the gridiron, but WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle isn't convinced the NFL legend can hang on the wrestling mat. As the upstart Real American Freestyle (RAF) league continues to gain momentum, reports suggest Lewis is eyeing a potential match before year's end. Angle, however, has some serious reservations.
In a recent interview with Outkick, the Olympic gold medalist didn't mince words when asked about Lewis's potential wrestling debut. "I don't know if he's going to be able to do it," Angle said. "Ray did wrestle I believe in high school. So, he knows wrestling, but I think he's going to be there to represent RAF. If they do something with him, I don't know if it's going to be a real match."
The 56-year-old Angle, who knows a thing or two about the physical toll of wrestling, emphasized that there's no such thing as a scripted bout in Olympic-style wrestling. "Every match in Olympic-style wrestling is real," he explained. "So, if he does wrestle, then good for him. And I hope he doesn't get hurt, unfortunately."
Lewis, a former Florida state wrestling champion, was a force on the football field for 17 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. But Angle points out that age is a factor. "Listen, Ray Lewis is a bada—, but I mean, he's probably what 55, 60 years old," Angle said. "So, I don't know if it'd be a good idea for him to get on the mat with some of those studs."
RAF, co-founded by Chad Bronstein and Izzy Martinez, has been making waves in the wrestling world, attracting former collegiate stars and even some NFL alumni. The league's rise has sparked renewed interest in freestyle wrestling, but Angle warns that stepping into the circle against younger, highly trained athletes is a different beast entirely.
While Lewis certainly looks like he could still suit up on Sundays, Angle suggests that a wrestling comeback might be a step too far. "He's a legend, no doubt," Angle added. "But the guys in RAF are in their prime. They've been wrestling their whole lives. It's not a good matchup for someone his age."
As the speculation continues, fans are left wondering if Lewis will actually lace up his wrestling shoes. The Ravens icon has always been a competitor, but even champions know when to hang it up. Angle's advice? Stick to the sidelines and maybe a few celebrity appearances, but leave the real wrestling to the young guns.
For now, the wrestling world waits to see if Lewis will make the leap. But with Angle's warning echoing in the background, it's clear that the risks are real. As the passing of a legendary Giants GM reminds us, sports icons eventually face their final chapters. Whether Lewis writes his on the mat remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: if Lewis does step into the ring, he'll have the respect of everyone watching—including Kurt Angle. But respect doesn't prevent injuries, and Angle hopes the Hall of Famer stays safe. "I just hope he doesn't get hurt," Angle reiterated. "That's my biggest concern."
