William Regal: The Ambassador of Professional Wrestling

Back in December Colt Cabana's podcast, Art of Wrestling, did a two part interview with William Regal. I had the chance to listen to the first awhile ago, but today sat down to listen to the second part. This part showcased his career when he first came to America. Regal is my favorite wrestler of all time, in which I have done substantial research on, and read his book "Walking A Golden Mile" numerous occasions. It was refreshing to listen to a current interview that allowed me to gain a deeper insight into a man that has been a pillar in the industry for years.

Back in 1993, WCW was taken over by Bill Watts. Regal finally received a phone from Watts stating he could start right away. This was a huge break for him but he told Watts he couldn't immediately due to wrestling obligations, that were not under contract,  in England over the next couple weeks. Watts told him his statement of that secured his place on the WCW roster, He showed loyalty and commitment. His loyalty also earned his family green cards with the help of WCW. It also allowed him some creative input into quite possibly the greatest storyline of his WCW career.

The Blue Bloods were a  tag team made of Regal and Bobby Eaton. Regal had been working with Triple H on developing a tag team. Triple H was suddenly called to WWE without anyone at all knowing. Suddenly there was an immediate need to find a replacement for him. Regal chose Eaton,a seasoned tag tea vet, and started a "My Fair Lady" type  storyline. Regal was given free reign on the creative aspect in the beginning. The video montages they made were quite comical and  entertaining.

After returning to WWE, with a broken ankle, Vince McMahon called Regal and filled him on his new character, The Real Man's Man.  Regal showed his adaptability by telling McMahon he would "make it work", even though this character was a far from the true Regal. Also at this point Regal was battling the demons in his personal life, out of his mind often. Looking back he said the character didn't bother him, it was all he was worth at  the time, The character lasted 5 weeks, and he was sent away for treatment.

It's no secret about the demons Regal has battled through his career. He has never been ashamed to talk about him.  He stated he finally overcame them when stopped making excuses. He gave this advice move on and it will end. Its something that he shouldn't have been doing to begin with.

Regal is currently on the commentary team of NXT, the developmental territory for WWE. He stated that commentary is there help you draw attention away from what is going on in the ring. They are the main tool of those in the ring getting over. He often is selfless in his promotion of the younger talent by training them and working with NXT.

At the beginning of the interview Cabana states "Regal is  great ambassador for professional wrestling all over the world, not just in America, not just England, everywhere. He embodies what it means to be a professional wrestler." I couldn't agree more. As person trying to break into some aspect of professional wrestling I take what Regal says to heart, He has so much to offer advice wise and just by following his career. He's a one of kind and I am proud he's my favorite wrestler, and a true inspiration to me following my dreams.