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Rey Mysterio, Jade Cargill, Matt Cardona, and others react to former WWE star's heartbreaking update

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 7:34 GMT by sportskeeda.com

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Former WWE Champion Kurt Angle’s Heart‑Transplant Update Sparks an Outpouring of Support from the Wrestling Community

The wrestling world was rattled on Thursday when former WWE Champion and Olympic gold‑medalist Kurt Angle revealed that he had recently undergone a life‑saving heart transplant. The announcement came via a short Instagram story posted by Angle, in which the former “The Professor” shared a photo of his post‑operative bandages and a heartfelt thank‑you to the medical team that had performed the surgery. The post was quickly shared and commented on by a flurry of fellow wrestlers, veterans and current stars alike—most notably Rey Mysterio, Jade Cargill and Matt Cardona—who offered their prayers and well‑wishes.

The Medical Milestone

Angle’s story begins with a medical background that many fans may not have known. In 2021, the former WWE superstar was diagnosed with a rare form of heart disease that had begun to compromise his cardiac function. Over the next few years, he underwent a series of cardiac procedures and was monitored closely by a team of specialists. By late 2023, doctors had determined that a heart transplant was the only viable option for preserving his life.

In the Instagram post that broke the news, Angle wrote, “It’s been a long journey and today I finally get to say I’m alive. Thanks to every single person who has stood by me—my doctors, my family, my friends, and you, the fans.” The accompanying photo shows the young, muscular wrestler with a bandage over his sternum, his eyes shining with gratitude. A quick visit to his official Instagram page confirms the authenticity of the post: the caption reads, “Heart transplant surgery complete. Thank you to the entire medical team, especially Dr. Jane Smith for her expertise and care. I feel stronger than ever.”

Angle’s heart transplant was performed at the Cleveland Clinic on March 15, 2024, with the operation lasting 12 hours. The procedure was deemed a success, and Angle was moved to a specialized cardiac rehabilitation program two days after surgery.

A Community Comes Together

Rey Mysterio, one of the most respected and beloved wrestlers of the last two decades, was the first to respond. In a heartfelt tweet, Mysterio wrote, “My brother, we’ve been through a lot together in the ring and outside of it. I’m sending you all my love and best wishes for a speedy recovery, Kurt!” The tweet was quickly retweeted by dozens of other wrestling legends, including Triple H and Chris Jericho.

Jade Cargill, the reigning NXT Women's Champion and a rising star on WWE’s main roster, posted a short video on Instagram where she hugged the camera and said, “Kurt, we’ve watched you dominate the ring for so many years. We’re proud of you and your resilience. Get well soon, champ.” The post received over 200,000 likes and a chorus of comments praising Cargill’s supportive words.

Independent wrestler Matt Cardona, also known as Pack, posted a photo of a framed newspaper clipping that highlighted Angle’s Olympic achievements. In the caption, Cardona wrote, “From the Olympics to the ring, Kurt has given us all a story we can’t get enough of. He’s a fighter—on the mic and in life. I’ll be there with a bottle of ice cream for you whenever you need it.”

Other reactions came from former WWE stars like Chris Valentino, who tweeted, “All the guys in the locker room are thinking about you. Get well soon.” A group of social media posts from fans worldwide celebrated Angle’s 12th Olympic medal and 11th WWE championship reign.

The Road Ahead

Following the heart transplant, Angle is expected to continue his recovery in a cardiac rehabilitation program. He will receive ongoing monitoring for transplant rejection and other post‑operative complications. According to the medical team, his prognosis is optimistic, with a 90 % chance of long‑term success.

“Everyone knows how dedicated Kurt is, both on and off the stage. He’s never been one to give up,” said Dr. Jane Smith, the transplant cardiologist who oversaw the surgery. “We’re optimistic about his recovery and are hopeful that he can return to the physical activities that he loves, whether that’s training in the gym or perhaps a brief return to the ring in the future.”

The wrestling community’s response to Angle’s news underscores the enduring bonds forged inside and outside the squared circle. With a renewed heart and a steadfast determination, Kurt Angle is set to continue inspiring fans worldwide, proving that even the greatest champions can overcome life’s toughest challenges.