William Regal is currently finalizing a new deal with WWE and will return to the promotion in early 2023, one year after being let go.
During that year away, Regal worked for rival AEW in an onscreen role. Upon his debut he formed and managed the Blackpool Combat Club consisting of wrestlers Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta.
But his largest contribution came by way of his final act, elevating the status of AEWs homegrown star Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) to the level of elite wrestling villain.
Regal Set to Leave AEW, Not Without Controversy
William Regal was one of wrestling's greatest all time villains in his 30 year in-ring career, which lasted from 1983-2013. In a storyline that blurred the lines between reality and script, MJF confronted the "Gentleman Villain" about his failed WWE tryout seven years prior when Freedman was 19 years old. MJF went as far as to read an email from Regal on-air. "Unfortunately, the game has changed... The WWE exclusively hires the best talent in the world of the top world class athletes. When you're one of them, then maybe send me your stuff. Yours sincerely, William Regal.'"
Regal responded by telling MJF that he saw the potential of a big star and wanted to light a fire under him, but he has let him down by taking shortcuts throughout his career.
During MJF's AEW World Championship match with Jon Moxley earlier this month Regal, who managed Moxley, came down to ringside urging MJF not to take another shortcut before sliding him Regals signature brass knuckles when the referee wasn't looking MJF used them to secure the victory and the AEW Championship.
A week ago on AEW Dynamite, Regal introduced MJF who at the end of the segment, gave Regal, what may have now been an actual send off to the respected veteran, a taste of his own medicine hitting him from behind with his own brass knuckles, Then standing over the fallen Regal, MJF paraphrased the email from years ago.
"Will, the game has changed... MJF exclusively hires the best talent in the world of the top world class athletes. When you're one of them, then maybe send me your stuff. Yours sincerely, The World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman.'"
Confirmed by AEW owner Tony Kahn this past Wednesday William Regal approached AEW about not renewing his contract indicating that he wished to return to WWE in early 2023 and resume his previous backstage role, as well as to coach his son in the developmental system of WWE.
