William Regal Signs 4 Year Contract Extension

[Turd Ferguson]

Regal has signed a 42 month contract renewal. Now 42, that would have him under contract until his 46th birthday. Now WWE has the right to cancel these deals at any time. Regal is extremely well respected by most of the wrestlers and he’s the type of a guy I can see as a trainer or an agent when they decide his active career is over. Since they really don’t do much with him, offering him that long an extension seems to indicate they’ve got plans for him past his in-ring career.

I really don't follow/watch wrestling right now, but I came across this and was really happy for Regal. Regal is a guy that has been misused by the WWE for quite some time now, and despite being older, he can still put on some damn good matches, and even though he'd help push younger talent in the ring, he's been pushed to the wayside.

He's one of the best on the mic, and he still has the best facial expressions in the WWE. As a guy who can really wrestle, as well as really play up the comedy type of role, and do so well in an authoritative type of role (especially during his last GM run... "Lights Out" was great), it's a shame he hasn't been featured more.

The WWE would truly be stupid to get rid of him. He can play a wide array of roles and do it so well. And that isn't just on screen... off screen, he could play a crucial behind the scenes role such as a trainer or a road agent. I just hope Regal gets one more great run. He deserves it.

 

[HamsterWrestler]

I think that it is great that Regal is still going to be under the contract of the WWE even at this age.

Its been proven that Regal can still go in the ring so why not give him a possible final push? He can still help younger talent but he also has to be given proper treatment every once in awhile.

 

[I_Hate_Cena]

Hmmm, William Regal contract extension for 4 years... ... He is at the end of his career and still has so much potential. He can definetly take the lead as the main heel in either Raw or Smackdown. Or think about it, the voice of the Nexus. So much possibilities, this man needs to have a world title run before his career ends.

 

[drobs85]

Regal is valuable in the management department, nothing more. His in ring ability has been left. In ring wise he's nothing more than a younger Ric "botch" Flair. I don't desire to see another wrestler who constantly botches.

 

[Strife3]

I have to agree, He is getting old and he needs to be pulled out of the ring. He doesn't need to wrestle like Hulk did in TNA to keep in the spotlight.

This is the kind of guy that could walk out next to Barrett and be the voice of Nexus, he would be perfect for it. He could even be put back in as Raw GM

Regal need to bring out power BEHIND someone and show that he can do his best even outside the ring.

 

[Sparky]

I hope it's as a manager styled thing. I like regal but I think he is getting to old and slow. I know he has never been a fast wrestler but the last good match I can remember him having was against Beniot. But he is a great wrestler that the new wrestlers can learn off of.

 

[Notorious718]

This is great for Regal but my only problem with this is that he'll still probably be criminally misused. I'd like to see him get one last big push culminating with a title win. I think he deserves it. He may be older but the guy can still go in the ring.

 

[Heartbreak_Kid_707]

Im WAY happy for Regal. Id love to see him be the voice of Nexus if there is one...or maybe this sighning could mean he is the Raw GM??? Possible..actually i think he threw his name in full thrust in the hat for the GM job...Or id love to see him with a US title run...

 

[Big Nick Dudley]

Regal is valuable in the management department, nothing more. His in ring ability has been left. In ring wise he's nothing more than a younger Ric "botch" Flair. I don't desire to see another wrestler who constantly botches.

Wow, you make absolutely no sense. Anyway..

I too think it's borderline shameful how poorly Regal has been handled over the years. He's a great in-ring talent, and one of the most talented 'talkers' WWE has ever had (yes, I said ever).

But on the other hand, he was in line for a pretty big push after winning King of the Ring in 2008, and screwed that up with a failed drug test. So in reality, he doesn't have anyone to blame but himself. However, WWE should have recognized his talent long before that happened.

It's hard for me to believe that someone of Regal's talent could go out without making a really big mark on the wrestling business. That's why I think it would be a great idea to make William Regal a color commentator in the next few years. Lawler is 60 years old, and probably doesn't want to do color forever. I think Regal would be absolutely perfect in that role, and he could bring back the "comedic, heel commentator" that hasn't been seen since earlier in Lawler's career.

Would I like to see Regal get a massive push inside the ring? Absolutely. But I'm also a realist, and I don't think it's going to happen. If it hasn't happened yet, I don't think it's going to. That's why I think color commentator is the way to really get the most out of William Regal.

 

[Dum Dum Dudley]

As a fellow Brit, i am happy that he had signed for a few more years, but anyone expecting this to be the start of a big Regal push is sadly mistaken. With the WWE currently on a youth movement and Regal being no spring chicken, i don't see him suddenly getting a huge push.

However, the beauty of Regal is that he is so versatile and has a number of different skills to use to his advantage. If he were to carry on wrestling for the whole 4 years, i would imagine he would be occupy the experienced midcarder role on Smackdown! like Matt Hardy, Christian and Finlay have done in the past. Looking at the current WWE roster, i wouldn't be totally against Regal vs Kingston/JoMo as i think Regal's mat style would contrast well with the high-flying nature of those two.

Another option for Regal is commentating and i think he would excel in this position if given the chance. For those that jizzed themselves at Punk's attempts on NXT/RAW, i think you would be pleasantly suprised with Regal's performances. He may not always be given the oppourtunity to talk nowadays but the guy is very well-spoken and articulate and would certainly embarass Striker with his wrestling knowledge.

Realistically, i think Regal will continue doing what he is doing now and just plod along in the lower-midcard until he decides to retire and begin training wrestlers. I think the whole purpose of the 4-year deal is to keep him under contract long enough for him to make a decision regarding his future plans. It would be a shame for him to not share his knowledge and experience with the next generation.

 

[Ferbian]

That's great. William Regal is a greatly talented guy who's still able to perform in the ring, as well as he can serve a big role backstage as well as for being a simple manager.

I'm sure the majority of these 4 years however won't be very in-ring actively. He'll most likely take some kind of stand-back position after a while to serve as an agent or trainer in the back after a while. It has worked out for others, and I'm sure it'll work out for William.

Either way, this is great news. Happy to hear him sticking around, since even for his lack of in-ring competition, he is always a treat to watch on-screen.

 

[drobs85]

Wow, you make absolutely no sense. Anyway..

I too think it's borderline shameful how poorly Regal has been handled over the years. He's a great in-ring talent, and one of the most talented 'talkers' WWE has ever had (yes, I said ever).

But on the other hand, he was in line for a pretty big push after winning King of the Ring in 2008, and screwed that up with a failed drug test. So in reality, he doesn't have anyone to blame but himself. However, WWE should have recognized his talent long before that happened.

It's hard for me to believe that someone of Regal's talent could go out without making a really big mark on the wrestling business. That's why I think it would be a great idea to make William Regal a color commentator in the next few years. Lawler is 60 years old, and probably doesn't want to do color forever. I think Regal would be absolutely perfect in that role, and he could bring back the "comedic, heel commentator" that hasn't been seen since earlier in Lawler's career.

Would I like to see Regal get a massive push inside the ring? Absolutely. But I'm also a realist, and I don't think it's going to happen. If it hasn't happened yet, I don't think it's going to. That's why I think color commentator is the way to really get the most out of William Regal.

What don't you agree with, that he botches every damn thing, that no one wants to see someone who constantly botches. As you said color commentator, and i said management. So basically anything outside of a ring is good.

 

[spinningtorturerack]

I am genuinely pleased.

It is such a great credit to this man who is 42 (I knew he was old, but not THIS old), that he has a contract for four more years. I think the comments so far on this thread only add to his credit that he, at a decent age, can still put on good matches. Sure he will never headline anything and most likely never hold another title, but the fact he could put on such a clinic with, say, Daniel Bryan or CM Punk would still be an awesome match to watch.

He is far more versatile and an in depth wrestler is than Taker or Kane, and no one really sees Regal having a need to retire unlike those two. Also Regal is versatile enough in a non-wrestling role, he could be around for a long time.

P.S. (Sorry I don't mean to sound like a Regal ass-licker, but I have a lot of respect for him)

 

[Calderownz]

That's a good thing to hear. He's definitely someone that can teach a thing or two to the younger guys and can still put on a quality match at the drop of a dime.

Hopefully, they give him enough shine to make it worth keeping him around and that he's allowed to get into a couple of longer-lasting programs that allow him to keep a job and help out the up-and-comers.

 

[THTRobtaylor]

This is the best move WWE has made this year... Regal is still one of their top stars... has been for the last 10 years nearly... he is the best mic worker in the company bar none and still has "it"... I think he has perhaps worked off his "punishment" from his King Of The Ring/Suspension issue and the mark in me hopes to god he finally gets his title win... even one night...

Long term, its clear he will end up a manager... DH Smith, Barrett, Drew, Sheamus would all be great with Regal as their mouthpiece... I can see a "Brit Pack" type stable forming very soon...

Its a "good news" story in that for all the guys mess ups, he always works hard to come back brighter... and I really think he is a pretty inspirational guy... 6 years ago they were stopping his heart to save his life... saying he'd never wrestle again... this means 10 years later, touch wood, he'll still be in WWE...

 

[THTRobtaylor]

As a fellow Brit, i am happy that he had signed for a few more years, but anyone expecting this to be the start of a big Regal push is sadly mistaken. With the WWE currently on a youth movement and Regal being no spring chicken, i don't see him suddenly getting a huge push.

However, the beauty of Regal is that he is so versatile and has a number of different skills to use to his advantage. If he were to carry on wrestling for the whole 4 years, i would imagine he would be occupy the experienced midcarder role on Smackdown! like Matt Hardy, Christian and Finlay have done in the past. Looking at the current WWE roster, i wouldn't be totally against Regal vs Kingston/JoMo as i think Regal's mat style would contrast well with the high-flying nature of those two.

Another option for Regal is commentating and i think he would excel in this position if given the chance. For those that jizzed themselves at Punk's attempts on NXT/RAW, i think you would be pleasantly suprised with Regal's performances. He may not always be given the oppourtunity to talk nowadays but the guy is very well-spoken and articulate and would certainly embarass Striker with his wrestling knowledge.

Realistically, i think Regal will continue doing what he is doing now and just plod along in the lower-midcard until he decides to retire and begin training wrestlers. I think the whole purpose of the 4-year deal is to keep him under contract long enough for him to make a decision regarding his future plans. It would be a shame for him to not share his knowledge and experience with the next generation.

Agree totally on the commentator thing, but he is still to valuable to waste there till year 4 of the deal... Long term, he really is the new Lord Alfred Hayes... think about it...

he is a perfect counter to the youth movement... the guy to teach them "you don't know jack"... I really hope they put him with Harry Smith... get him back to his "real name" have Regal take him round the UK venues Davey used to work... tell him the side of the story the Harts never did... its a perfect heel angle for Harry and he'd have Regal to do the mic work for him... Imagine the pops in the UK for "Baby Bulldog" with Regal.... it'd be huge... and lets face it the UK is where WWE is going to focus for the next 2-3 years... the sheer number of Brits in the top 10 proves it...

 

[xg311]

I'm still hoping against hope that Regal is revealed as the General Manager to thrust him back into the spotlight (Hell, I'd love to see him get a main event push if only for a couple of months if the feud was right.)

 

[HBKevin]

Regal will definitely be a trainer/agent kind of like Finlay. Look at Finlay, he was an agent for a long time before they brought him back for his run with Hornswoggle. Regal is a perfect veteran enhancement talent, kind of like Goldust. They don't even need titles anymore.

 

[darbare]

I find it quite odd Regal has never won a world title...guys like Sheamus and Swagger can do next to nothing and get a title, but a man that has presence, mic skills, in ring prowess that can match any style thrown at him has never won a world title..that is criminal..but anyways if the WWE never gives him the title, I would truly love at least if he were the RAW GM for a lengthy period cuz he deserves at least that..

 

[Mustang Sally]

Another option for Regal is commentating and i think he would excel in this position if given the chance

That's a good idea; he could add a lot in that role. Plus, the camera could cut away from the ring on occasion to show that patented "look of disgust" on Regal's face as he calls the action.

A couple of folks in this thread say that Regal has been misused. I don't think he has; WWE was giving him a significant push a couple of years ago and Regal went and ruined it by getting caught with a dirty drug test. Say what you want, but it's hard for a company to put their faith, time and money into a performer who can't stay clean.

Since then, he's been trying to win his way back into their good graces. Maybe now, with a 4 year contract, they've decided he's worth pushing again. Or, they may have decided they have use for him as a jobber. Either way, they probably low-balled him on the amount of money they're paying since he doesn't really have anywhere else to go in the industry. He's not old enough to go to TNA )) and I'm sure he realizes he's better off as a non-featured performer in WWE than as a star in a second-rate organization, playing in Bingo halls and local high school gyms.

But I like the idea of using him as a ringside commentator. As with Lawler, they can use him in an occasional match when they need to have a well-recognized figure get the shit beat out of him, without sacrificing the rep of a "name" performer.

 

[future admin]

I am sure this extension would be a trainer contract, but wI would like to see him as a manager, maybe another Regal's Roundtable, Iwas a big fan of that group, and I would definitely like to see a remake. He is also good as a GM or something, I would definitely like to see him in that role. I just don't see him wrestling, he is very old at this stage and would be too slow, he will most likely have a job behind the scenes.

 

[FunKay the Inevitable]

Excellent. Regal has got a great mind for the industry as well as being a tremendous in-ring performer. He has personality and mic skills so a job as a GM, a mouthpiece as he was for Ezekiel Jackson at the start of the year or possibly even a commentator in the future. His best days are behind him, no doubt but I see him wrestling for another year or so before finally hanging up the boots.

Regal always was a terrific performer and his career has been solid. It should have been even better, had he not got suspended for failing a drugs test, shortly after he won King of the Ring and began his 'Lights Out' phase, he could well have even won a World Championship (I arrived on these forums shortly before that King of the Ring triumph and everyone and their mothers was pretty certain Regal was going to be main evening against Triple H at Night of Champions that year).

Whatever the future holds for Regal, all I can say is good business on all parts.

 

[Hollywood Naitch]

It is nice to see WWE looking after a loyal employee like William. He has always been talented in-ring, although I am personally not a big fan of his style. He still has something to offer though.

I would like to see Regal used more in a managerial role, I think he would be perfect as the mentor of a young up-and-coming talent, maybe the next English wrestler who comes in? Also, as another poster has previously mentioned, Regal would be very entertaining as a colour commentator, as it is getting painful to listen to The King every week, the man is so far past his prime its untrue.

So, yeah, good to see WWE keeping Regal about, he deserves it

 

[I_Am_Electro_Boy]

I'm glad to see that Regal will be in WWE for a few more years, I think he's a great guy to have in the company. He's still good in the ring at 42, he's good on the mic and he's over as a heel and can be as a face. He also can fit many roles; he can stay as a active wrestler, he can be someone's manager, he can also fit the role of gm etc. I would like him to maybe scout some talent and be the talker of his own stable, it would get him more tv time and would also get some up and comers over.