The WWE Issued An Apology For Kurt Angle Wiping His Nose On The Indian Flag 17 Years Ago

Well, that didn't take long.

When the WWE announced that it would be coming to India with a live show on January 16, Hindu group Aadvanshi Veer Sena protested it due to an old segment which they deemed insulting to India.

Chandan Khanna / AFP / Getty Images

The incident in question took place on wrestler Kurt Angle's WWE debut on Sunday Night Heat, 17 years ago in 1999, in which he blew his nose on the Indian flag.

WWE

The segment had Angle trying to insult Indian wrestler Tiger Ali Singh.

Nearly two decades later, WWE International President Gerrit Meier had to issue an apology for the event to continue in New Delhi without any interruptions.

Michael Buckner / Getty Images

"This case is about 20-years-ago and we did not deliberately do that. We have a great respect for the country. We are sorry that it happened, but we had no intention of doing it. India is a reputable country and we apologise for this. We are extremely pleased that India is hosting the live events again. There are a good number of fans and I am confident that they will enjoy it all. Now we are once again on the ground of India and will play a WWE match," the statement read, according to reports.

You can watch the entire segment here:

youtube.com

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Apatow Productions