Lexis King has become the new NXT Heritage Cup Champion thanks to some help from none other than William Regal.

King challenged Regal’s son and the reigning champion Charlie Dempsey for the title at this week’s NXT. Nobody got the upper hand in the first round of the match while Dempsey dominated round two. The third round of the bout then took place during the commercial break with nothing notable happening.

King started dominating the fourth round of the match from the beginning before Charlie came back with some offense of his own. Toward the ending of the bout, Wren Sinclair got into the ring to wake up a knocked-out Dempsey, allowing Regal to offer the Brass Knuckles to Lexis King.

When King refused to take the weapon, William Regal hit him with it without the referee seeing him. Regal then threw the Brass Knuckles to his son. Unfortunately for Dempsey, the referee saw him holding the Knuckles and disqualified him, making King the new champion.

This ends Charlie Dempsey’s second reign with the Heritage Cup at 126 days. He had won the title by defeating Tony D’Angelo back in May. King on the other hand, starts his first reign with a title since joining the NXT brand in July 2023.

• Lexis King Calls WWE HOF Induction For Brian Pillman All He’s Ever Wanted

WWE included a couple surprises for this week’s episode of NXT, and it seems that they tried their best to keep those things under wraps.

William Regal and Trick Williams both showed up for the episode, and many fans were shocked to see them. That being said, neither of them were noted in any backstage rundown, either.

WWE Protecting NXT Surprises

In the latest WWE NXT episode, the No Quarter Catch Crew, holding the Heritage Cup, made a strong presence in the ring. Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey, Damon Kemp, and Myles Borne delivered a message to the rest of the NXT roster.

The stable declared their intention to defend the Heritage Cup as a group, allowing any member to defend the title. They emphasized their commitment to uphold the championship’s prestige as genuine athletes.

Unexpectedly, William Regal’s entrance music played, signaling his return. Regal received a warm welcome from the NXT crowd, with chants of “Welcome back” filling the arena. Clearly, the fans hadn’t forgotten the former General Manager.

Sean Ross Sapp noted on Fightful Select that, “William Regal was not listed for the No Quarter Catch Crew Promo. His promo is expected to play a key part in Charlie Dempsey’s next few weeks.”

Trick Williams did a run-in during the main event segment as well. He still wants to hash things out with Carmelo Hayes. It seems that WWE wanted to keep his appearance a secret as well.

It was also noted that Trick Williams was not included on any rundown for the show, either. His absence during rehearsals raised eyebrows, but he was at the show.

Why William Regal Had To Wait

When William Regal moved from AEW to WWE for an office position, a notable condition arose in his departure agreement. It dictated that Regal couldn’t make appearances on WWE television for a year, explaining his absence during the WarGames announcement. Now that this condition has expired, Regal has made his return to NXT.

The timing of Regal’s reappearance on WWE television remains uncertain, but his impromptu appearance during NXT Roadblock was met with praise. Currently serving as the company’s Vice President of Global Talent Development, Regal’s involvement, particularly in Charlie Dempsey’s storyline, is anticipated in the coming weeks. We will have to see how this pans out.

SEScoops will have more coverage of this story, and so many more from all over the pro wrestling world. Please keep checking back for more updates!

WWE’s NXT brand held their Roadblock special tonight. As the road to WrestleMania 40, and Stand & Deliver, is drawing close, the brand saw a couple big moments. A Superstar returned after being out of action for nearly a year, but that wasn’t the only big comeback during the show.

When William Regal left AEW for an office job with WWE, he had a very interesting clause in this release paperwork. It was stated that Regal couldn’t appear on WWE television for a full year, which is why he wasn’t around to announce WarGames. That clause has now expired, and Regal is back in NXT.

William Regal’s NXT Return

During WWE NXT this week, the No Quarter Catch Crew took the ring with the Heritage Cup. Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey, Damon Kemp and Myles Borne looked intense, and they had a message for the rest of the NXT roster.

The stable proclaimed that they will defend the Heritage Cup as a stable, meaning anyone in the faction can put the title on the line. The said that they plan to represent the championship as true athletes.

WILLIAM REGAL #WWENXT #NXTRoadblock pic.twitter.com/faVtMkd5d1

— LuigiWrestling (@LuigiWrestling) March 6, 2024

Suddenly, William Regal’s music stopped everything. Regal then came out to a rousing ovation from the NXT crowd. “Welcome back” chants erupted at Regal. Obviously, fans in the NXT Arena didn’t forget about the former General Manager.

Those chants soon transitioned to “He’s your Father” directed at Dempsey. Regal didn’t have a ton to say, but he did make it very clear that he will have his eye on that Heritage Cup, because of how much it means to him and everyone from the rich European pro wrestling tradition.

OKAY LMAO #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/m7lPgKFnTd

— s e t h (@futurafreesky) March 6, 2024

What’s Next For William Regal

We will have to see when William Regal shows up on WWE television again. It was certainly a very nice surprise to see him pop up during NXT Roadblock. He is currently the company’s Vice President of Global Talent Development.

For more on this story, and many more, please keep checking back with us here at SEScoops. 

William Regal’s recent appearance on WWE NXT marks his first since returning to the company over a year ago and Shawn Michaels knows Regal is a fan favorite.

Speaking with the media on the NXT Vengeance Day media call, HBK was asked by Ella Jay of SEScoops if Regal’s passing of the torch to Ava Raine as the new NXT General Manager meant more things to come from the future WWE Hall of Famer.

“[Regal] is there for her counsel in any way he can help. So look, you know as well as I do here in NXT, when you have a staple and a foundational person like William Regal you gotta have more than just one shot with him here and there.

“I think everybody was extremely excited about his brief cameo on NXT television. I have no doubt that we will have some other cameos by William Regal in the future as well.”

Regal may have been off-television for an entire year since leaving AEW, but that was per stipulation of him exiting the company. A big reason for Regal wanting to return to WWE was that his son, Charlie Dempsey is a rising talent in NXT and he wanted to be part of his development.

Funny enough, Ava Raine is also following in her father’s footsteps as the very same week The Rock was announced as a member of the TKO Board Of Directors, Raine was appointed the new GM, a major role that she’s hoping to electrify in.

Please credit and h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

This week’s episode of WWE NXT saw two huge developments, including the return of William Regal in his first role on TV in a very long time. 

Regal was released from WWE in January 2022, ending his over-two-decade tenure with the promotion. After joining AEW that same year, Regal was let out of his contract by Tony Khan so that he could return to WWE and be closer to his son Charlie Dempsey. 

William Regal and Ava

As part of his agreement with AEW that allowed for his release, Regal did not appear on WWE programming for the first year of his return. On this week’s show, the British veteran re-emerged and was seen to have had a producing meeting with WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative Shawn Michaels. 

Regal appeared alongside Ava, who has been making matches and big decisions as of late. In their segment, Regal confirmed that not only is the fourth-generation wrestler officially the GM of NXT, but at 22 years old, she is the youngest General Manager in WWE history. 

Regal pleaded with Ava to take care of NXT, recalling his own role with the gold brand since the very start. The former Intercontinental Champion hardly sold the role, calling it a thankless job that means working long hours and juggling the egos of several Superstars. 

Ava admitted that she has big shoes to fill, but she is confident she can do it. Regal concluded the segment stating if she ever needs anything, she knows how to contact him. 

Welcome back, @RealKingRegal!!!

You have some big shoes to fill @avawwe_ ?#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/OLQt0DsY5F

— WWE (@WWE) January 24, 2024

Ava isn’t the only member of her family to recently be placed in a position of power… 

WWE is undergoing significant changes under the TKO Group Holdings umbrella. We now have a partnership with All Japan Pro Wrestling. As part of this collaboration, a current NXT talent is set to travel to Japan for a significant match in 2024.

The All Japan Pro Wrestling Match Set Up

AJPW has been teasing a mysterious challenger, referred to as them as an ‘Assassin,’ for the AJPW Triple Crown Championship. This challenger is slated to face the winner of the upcoming match between Katsuhiko Nakajima and Kento Miyahara on January 3rd.

Following a phone call from WWE to AJPW President Tsuyoki Fukuda, the identity of the NXT Superstar making the trip to All Japan Pro Wrestling has been revealed.

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??????????? ?1? ?Hello WWE!??

????????????????#ajpw pic.twitter.com/MMrq7lLOx6

— ???????/alljapan (@alljapan_pw) December 23, 2023

Charlie Dempsey Is Going To AJPW

William Regal appeared in a video where he spoke about his own career in Japan, highlighting some of the great names he worked with over the years. He then stated that a new generation of talent is going to bring that British excellence to Japan.

William Regal then announced that Charlie Dempsey, his son, is making the journey from NXT to AJPW. Regal also made mention of the fact that this is the first time he’s publicly acknowledging that Dempsey is his son, so he picked a great time to confirm that news.

?~WWE NXT ???????????????~?

WWE NXT ?????????????????????????????

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1.3????NEVER MISS THE HISTORY??#WWE #WWENXT #ajpw #dempsy #ajpwtv pic.twitter.com/H3xRFbLyyL

— ???????/alljapan (@alljapan_pw) December 25, 2023

Who Is Charlie Dempsey

Charlie Dempsey came up to NXT by way of NXT UK. He eventually carved out a spot in NXT as a member of the No Quarter Catch Crew alongside Drew Gulak, Myles Borne, and Damon Kemp. Odds are, they will be rooting him on in a big way as Dempsey makes that trip to Japan for an amazing opportunity. 

Triple H and William Regal have a long history with each other, which is what made Regal’s decision to leave AEW for WWE so much easier. Tony Khan let Regal go, but it came with a catch, because he wasn’t allowed to appear on WWE television for a year. That time period is almost over.

William Regal’s Departure From AEW

William Regal transitioned from leading the Blackpool Combat Club in AEW to an executive role at WWE. This change happened after gained significant influence in WWE. Vince McMahon made the call to release Regal, but Triple H brought him back several months later. This shift allowed Regal to return to WWE, but he didn’t immediately appear on television.

William Regal’s Current Position In WWE

Currently, William Regal serves as the Vice President of Global Talent Development at WWE. However, a one-year clause was established when he departed from AEW, preventing him from making appearances on WWE television. This is the reason behind his absence in announcing WarGames, despite his new position.

WWE signing William Regal’s son, Charlie Dempsey, to an NXT contract gave him even more of a reason to make a return to the company.

As the one-year clause for William Regal nears its end, fans can possibly expect a potential return to television. That being said, there are no real plans in motion at this point.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter indicated that there are currently no known plans for Regal to make a televised appearance.

Regal’s non-compete as far as appearing on television is just about over. At the time Regal left he said that he wasn’t going to be appearing on television. He hasn’t worked for NXT, and they have Michaels as an authority figure, who while not as good at the job as Regal, is a far bigger name. They just hired Aldis for that role on SmackDown, and wouldn’t have done so if they planned to put Regal in that spot. I could see a cameo but as far as a regular TV role, it would have to be as an authority figure or manager

William Regal’s Future In WWE

William Regal could take on an authority figure role in NXT once more, a position he held before his last departure from WWE. It seems that WWE doesn’t need anyone to play that part on the main roster at this point.

Possible options can now be considered, as William Regal’s non-appearance clause is set to expire in a few days. At least we know he will be around next year to announce WarGames, even if that is his only on-screen role, it will be a memorable one.

New information is coming out regarding industry veteran William Regal’s recent return to World Wrestling Entertainment.

Regal made his return to WWE on January 4 in the position of Vice President of Global Talent Development. Prior to that, he had a stint with AEW as the on-air mentor of the Blackpool Combat Club.

Regal had asked AEW/ROH President Tony Khan to be let out of his deal with the promotion early so he could return to WWE to work with Triple H again and to be in NXT with his son, who wrestles as Charles Dempsey. He also revealed what he disliked about his AEW run.

William Regal was written off AEW programming during an edition of Dynamite when AEW World Champion MJF attacked him with brass knuckles from behind. This was after Regal turned on Jon Moxley by costing him the title by helping MJF win it from him at Full Gear.

William Regal’s Role in WWE

Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com has provided some additional details regarding Regal’s new role in WWE. Regal has been at every RAW and Smackdown taping since returning.

The report states that Regal watches and takes notes on every match and meets with talent afterwards to provide coaching on how they can improve their matches. Feedback includes advice on how they can improve their ‘selling’ and physicality.

Regal previously worked with Triple H as an on-screen General Manager for the NXT brand. He also had his duties in recruiting up-and-coming talents. He ended his 22-year run with WWE when he was released from the Stamford-based company in January 2022. As it seems, Regal is having a great time in WWE following his return.

William Regal now serves as WWE Vice President of Global Talent Relations following his departure from AEW earlier this month. 

Regal spent the majority of 2022 under the banner of AEW where he worked as the manager for the Blackpool Combat Club. 

His AEW debut came at AEW Revolution last March, where he helped bring Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson together before recruiting Wheeler Yuta to their ranks. Claudio Castagnoli followed suit in the months after, and the Blackpool Combat Club was a force. 

While speaking on Distraction Pieces Podcast, Regal noted that he felt his final moments in AEW were too focused on himself as he turned on Moxley to help MJF beat him for the AEW World Heavyweight Title at Full Gear in November. 

His AEW Tenure

“In the last months of AEW, it was getting far too much about me. It should have been about the talent I was with, not about me,” Regal said (h/t Fightful). “I’m quite happy being in the background. I’ve had my run. I couldn’t have had a better last few months as far as TV and doing that, but I didn’t go there with that intention. The intention was to do something different, and it started off the way it did, but I didn’t expect it to end up being this thing that it was for the last seven months where I just became talent. I went there with a different plan because I was asked to go there to help out in a different capacity, and that never transpired.”

Regal wanted to return to WWE to be with his son in NXT, who wrestles under the Charlie Dempsey name. 

Regal’s WWE return cannot appear on television until 2024, something he’s okay with after his run in AEW. He noted he’s happy not to be in the spotlight. He thinks it shouldn’t be about him but rather the active in-ring talent.

William Regal has been given a new title in WWE following his return to the company. 

Regal’s previous title before his WWE release last year had been Director of Talent Development and Head of Global Recruiting. He had been working backstage in the company since June 2014 and was considered Triple H’s right-hand man. 

According to a report from PWInsider, Regal is now the Vice President, Global Talent Development for WWE.

Regal’s Journey

The former NXT General Manager returned to WWE after being with AEW since debuting there at Revolution on March 6, 2022, where he helped form the Blackpool Combat Club. 

The faction included Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta. Regal had the following to say about his time in AEW. 

“Yesterday was my last official day with @AEW. I’d like to thank @TonyKhan, Megha and all the hard working crew. Contrary to people who’ve never spoken to me or have their information from people who don’t know me or are trying to make themselves noticed, I had a lovely time working there and had a great time. Lots of talented Wrestlers, and lovely people to work for. To my fellow BCC members, it was a special, albeit brief few months but it cemented our already strong friendship. To everyone there, thank you for welcoming me. Best wishes.”

AEW President Tony Khan revealed during an ROH Final Battle media call last month that Regal asked him not to pick up the option year on his contract because he wanted to return to WWE to help train his son, NXT wrestler Charlie Dempsey.

William Regal has returned to WWE in an official capacity. 

His previous title with the company had been WWE Director of Talent Development and Head of Global Recruiting. He was released from WWE on January 5, 2022, due to budget cuts, along with several others who were part of Triple H’s team in NXT. 

According to a report from PWInsider, Regal is back with WWE as of this morning and is set to be a vice president, although his actual job title has not yet been revealed.

How We Got Here

Regal joined AEW at the Revolution pay-per-view on March 6, 2022, before he officially announced his departure on December 30, 2022. 

AEW President Tony Khan previously revealed the details behind Regal’s AEW release during an ROH Final Battle press conference on December 12, 2022. According to Khan, Regal wanted to return to WWE to be with his friends and work with his son, who wrestles in NXT as Charlie Dempsey. 

Regal had the following to say about his time in AEW. 

“Yesterday was my last official day with @AEW. I’d like to thank @TonyKhan, Megha and all the hard working crew. Contrary to people who’ve never spoken to me or have their information from people who don’t know me or are trying to make themselves noticed, I had a lovely time working there and had a great time. Lots of talented Wrestlers, and lovely people to work for. To my fellow BCC members, it was a special, albeit brief few months but it cemented our already strong friendship. To everyone there, thank you for welcoming me. Best wishes.”

Regal and Triple H have been friends for years. In his previous stint, Regal was Triple H’s, right-hand man.

William Regal is officially no longer under contract with All Elite Wrestling. The former leader of the Blackpool Combat Club wants people to know he truly enjoyed his time there and any reports to the contrary are incorrect.

Regal announced on Twitter that his contract officially expired on Thursday, December 29, 2022.

“Yesterday was my last official day with AEW. I’d like to thank Tony Khan, Megha and all the hard working crew.

Contrary to people who’ve never spoken to me or have their information from people who don’t know me or are trying to make themselves noticed, I had a lovely time working there and had a great time. Lots of talented Wrestlers, and lovely people to work for.

To my fellow BCC members, it was a special, albeit brief few months but it cemented our already strong friendship. To everyone there, thank you for welcoming me. Best wishes.”

Regal will be returning to work for WWE in early 2023. He’s expected to resume working at the Performance Center and the company’s developmental brand, NXT.

Regal previously served as the General Manager authority figure in NXT, but he’ll remain behind the scenes for the foreseeable future. The terms of his AEW release require this to be a non-televised role.

Apollo Crews has weighed in on William Regal’s return to WWE.

Regal had been WWE’s Director of Talent Development and Head of Global Recruiting, where he played a big part in helping Triple H build NXT into what it became. However, in late 2021, things changed for Regal as Triple H stepped away due to health issues.

The company made sweeping changes to NXT and WWE released Regal on January 5, 2022. He went on to sign with AEW, where he made his promotional debut at AEW Revolution in March. 

Once Triple H was put in charge of main roster creative, it only took a few months before Regal asked for AEW not to renew his contract option so he could return to WWE. It’s been reported that Regal has come to terms with WWE, and he is set to start with the company in the first week of January 2023.

The Influence

While speaking with Alistair McGeorge of Metro, Crews commented on the reports about Regal’s return to WWE.

“I feel like there’s a lot of young kids – not just young kids, but anybody can benefit from somebody with credentials like William Regal. If it’s something that’s happening, it’s gonna be fantastic for a lot of the younger kids, all of us, to get the knowledge and experience of someone who’s so well traveled, so well-versed. He’s been around for as long as I’ve been watching wrestling, really. I’m all for it,” Crews said.

Crews thinks the locker room should make the most of the opportunity to learn from someone like Regal.

William Regal is set to leave AEW and return to WWE starting in the new year.

On last week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Regal cut his final AEW promo in a pre-taped video where he explained why he turned on Jon Moxley at Full Gear to side with MJF by costing Moxley the AEW World Heavyweight Title. 

Regal said that he was teaching the last lesson to the Blackpool Combat Club – to keep eyes in the back of their head. 

The Latest

According to a report by Pwinsider.com, Regal has officially come to terms on his new deal with WWE, and is set to start in the new year. Per the report, Regal will have a Vice President position in the company upon his return, although there has been no word on his official title or role.

Last week during the ROH Final Battle media call, AEW/ROH President Tony Khan explained his reason why he let William Regal leave AEW and return to WWE, which was due to Regal asking the company not to renew his existing deal so he could go back to NXT to be with his son who currently wrestles as Charles Dempsey. 

Regal’s AEW departure has a clause that he would not be able to appear in an on-screen role for WWE upon his return.

William Regal has opened up on the kind act that Vince McMahon did for him after working for WWE for over 20 years. 

Regal served as the on-screen GM for NXT and was active behind the scenes as a scout and coach before he was let go this past January. He made his AEW debut at AEW Revolution on March 6 by breaking up a fight between Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson.

While speaking at ITR Live, which was taped in October but recently released on YouTube, Regal revealed that McMahon ended his non-compete clause early so he could join AEW.

The Story

“Mr. McMahon was very good to me, to the point of, I will say this because whatever he’s going through, he was excellent to me. I had a talent contract, as well as an employee contract and it didn’t run out until the end of April because I played William Regal. I started for AEW on the seventh of March. I didn’t call anybody else, I sent a message straight to the boss, ‘Hey Boss, I’ve got this thing with Bryan,’ and he loves Bryan as well. ‘Absolutely, you go’ and still paid me until the end of my talent contract. I was the only person who ever got paid by both companies at the same time.”

As previously reported, Regal requested AEW not pick up his option at the end of the year, and AEW President Tony Khan honored his request as Regal wanted to join his son Charlie Dempsey in NXT. Regal will be working behind the scenes in WWE. 

H/T to Fightfu for the transcription

William Regal is bidding farewell to the Blackpool Combat Club once and for all. Regal appeared on this week’s AEW Dynamite in a backstage segment that will serve as his final appearance for All Elite Wrestling.

With BCC members Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta standing in the ring, Regal said it’s time for him to move on. He gave the group one final ‘lesson’ on his way out.

He urged Moxley, Castagnoli, Yuta and Bryan Danielson to “always stay one step ahead and make sure you have eyes in the back of your head.”

• Tony Khan Confirms Details on William Regal Leaving AEW

Regal’s Farewell to the Blackpool Combat Club

William Regal posted an official farewell to the BCC on Thursday morning.

He wrote on Twitter:

To the members of the BCC. My favourite song by my favourite band who somehow knew when I was a child to write the story that is my life. It’s been a pleasure fellas. We’ll meet again…..

– William Regal

He included a link to the song “Far Far Away” by the band Slade:

The confusion over William Regal’s status with AEW and future in the wrestling world has been the trending topic among fans. AEW star Saraya claims that his decision to leave the promotion is about how he feels.

The former Diva’s Champion recently had an interview with Metro. Among other things, she also commented on the situation with the former NXT GM.

Saraya mentioned how everyone seems to have an opinion on Regal’s decision to leave AEW. According to her, it’s doesn’t have to do with anything that happened backstage:

“Everyone has an opinion on that. The reality is, it doesn’t have anything to do with anything backstage, it’s to do with how he feels. Us behind the scenes know why, and we’re happy for him!”

• William Regal Explains Why He Turned on Blackpool Combat Club

‘It Doesn’t Matter’

It’s expected that William Regal would return to WWE once he is free of his AEW contract. While Saraya didn’t confirm these reports, she mentioned that Regal should be able to do whatever he wants:

“Whether he’s going there or whatever, it doesn’t matter. We’re just happy with whatever he wants to do with his life.

He’s at the age where he can do whatever he wants to without the internet deep diving into it, or everyone saying this, that and the other about him. Who cares? Let him be happy!”

How do you feel about William Regal potentially returning to WWE in near future? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

Several weeks ago at Full Gear, William Regal slid MJF his brass knucks to cost Jon Moxley the AEW World Championship. The following Wednesday, Mox had to be stopped from beating up Regal.

Last week on Dynamite, MJF turned on Regal with his own brass knucks. We still didn’t have answers from Regal to answer the question, “Why Regal Why?”

Regal Teaches One Final Lesson

Tonight, Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta had a match and were accompanied by Moxley. Danielson was nowhere to be found (and Moxley didn’t mention him in his promo). While celebrating their win, Tony Schiavone told them he had a video from their former leader.

Regal said if they were seeing the video, something bad has happened to him. He helped MJF win so he’d have a target on his back and to teach the Blackpool Combat Club on final lesson. A few months ago, he came to the conclusion that the veterans of BCC didn’t him anymore.

“I knew they wouldn’t let me go, but I needed to show them why they don’t need me. And I needed to show them what they could teach Wheeler to be the best professional wrestler in the world because they’ve all got that capability. But, you have to lead by example. Hopefully — and I know he will because Jon Moxley’s a very calculated man; he’ll understand this — the reason I did what I did and to lead by example was to teach you the final thing that I could ever teach you, always stay one step ahead and make sure you have eyes in the back of your head. I’m Blackpool Combat Club until the day I die.”

On the media call today, Tony Khan explained that Regal wanted to return to WWE to be with his son, NXT Superstar Charlie Dempsey. Regal will be with AEW through the holidays and then will be released.

• Jim Ross on William Regal: “I Don’t Know What the Future Holds for Him”

William Regal will finish his time with All Elite Wrestling this month, company President Tony Khan has confirmed.

For the past week, it has been reported that Regal’s time with AEW was up and that he planned on returning to WWE when he had the chance.

Regal himself has kept quiet throughout this period of time, but previously stated that he signed a three-year deal with AEW when he joined after Revolution in March of this year.

Leaving

This weekend will mark ROH Final Battle, the third event for the promotion since Khan acquired the company earlier this year.

Speaking on a media conference call ahead of the show, Khan publicly confirmed that Regal is set to leave AEW this month.

Khan explained that Regal contacted him and explained that he would live to spend more time with his son Bailey, who competes in WWE NXT as Charlie Dempsey.

The two had a “long, good talk” and Khan said he realized that Regal was honest with his reasons to return to WWE.

The AEW President said that after granting Regal’s request to depart AEW, there was a need for a complete overhaul of plans for the World Championship scene which featured him aligned with MJF.

Khan concluded his talk about the former King of the Ring by saying that Regal will remain with AEW through to the end of the year and that he is sad to see him go.

Medical Issues

During his talk about Regal, Khan addressed the recent health issues his mother has faced.

The AEW President explained that prior to AEW: Grand Slam in September, his mother suffered a stroke, and would suffer a second stroke weeks after being released from the hospital.

Calling his sister an ‘unsung hero’ for being by their mother’s side, Khan stayed with her at night, and doctors found a spot on his mother’s heart.

The discovery coincided with Regal’s request, and Khan said he didn’t want to prevent any parent and son from being together.

The surgery on Mrs. Khan was a complete success and Tony said that she is recovering well.

AEW commentator Jim Ross has become the latest name to suggest that William Regal’s time with the promotion has come to an end.

Regal was cut from WWE in January of this year from his role with NXT, after over 20 years with the promotion.

A former WWE Intercontinental, European, and Tag Team Champion, the 2008 King of the Ring would debut for AEW at the Revolution Pay-Per-View in March 2022.

Jim Ross

William Regal was written off AEW TV last week with an attack by MJF and it has been reported that the British legend is set to leave the company and return to WWE.

On the latest episode of Grilling JR, Ross praised what Regal has brought to All Elite Wrestling.

“He’s been a very valuable resource, you can’t replace guys with that kind of experience and in Regal’s case, the patience to help these young guys. He was in the ring every day at [AEW] TV, he always had time for the talent, young green guys.”

Jim Ross

Neither Tony Khan nor Regal have confirmed reports of his departure, and the British veteran had previously stated that his three-year contract would expire in early 2025.

The Future

Regal’s apparent exit comes not long after he betrayed the Blackpool Combat Club and aided MJF in winning the AEW World Championship at Full Gear.

On his podcast, Jim Ross spoke about the Salt of the Earth, and said he isn’t sure what’s next for William Regal.

“I mentioned to MJF, I said ‘The more you can sit under that learning tree of William Regal and talk about the psychology of being a wrestling villain, you should because he’s got great psychology.’ A very valuable asset wherever he may be, I don’t know what the future holds for him.”

“I don’t know what the future holds for him.”

Jim Ross on William Regal.

MJF (sans Regal) is expected to appear on tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite.

h/t – WrestlingInc

William Regal has reportedly exited All Elite Wrestling after just 9 months with the company.

He arrived at AEW Revolution and convinced Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley to work together in the Blackpool Combat Club. The group had such promise, but frittered into nothing over time.

Claudio Castagnoli and Bryan Danielson are involved in an interminable rivalry with Jericho Appreciation Society while Jon Moxley was AEW World Champion. William Regal betrayed Jon Moxley at AEW Full Gear by bashing him over the head with brass knuckles to gift MJF the title. MJF then betrayed William Regal on last week’s Dynamite and hit him with the brass knuckles. Regal was stretchered out of the arena as his send off.

Jim Cornette on the Rumors Surrounding William Regal’s Exit from AEW

ECIII claimed that Regal immediately regretted signing with AEW because of “maturity issues” within management. Cornette noted that William Regal is not the only legend the younger wrestlers apparently aren’t listening to as Rampage sets a new record-low rating this week.

Speaking on episode 460 of the Jim Cornette Experience, the legendary manager discussed the rumored comments by the former NXT GM.

Jim Cornette noted that he wasn’t just talking about the talent being inexperienced.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the Jim Cornette Experience and give a H/T to SEScoops.

William Regal is expected to return to WWE in the near future, but this is something that the NXT roster has been waiting on.

Regal was released in January of this year from his role with the gold brand, as part of sweeping cuts to the backstage crew in NXT.

The former WWE Intercontinental, European, and Tag Team Champion would debut for AEW at the Revolution Pay-Per-View in March 2023.

Discussion

After being written off AEW TV last week with an attack by MJF, it has been reported that Regal will be finishing up with the promotion this month.

One popular theory among fans is that Tony Khan had an agreement with Regal, stating that if Triple H took control of the company, then he’d be allowed to return.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez said that this idea has been discussed for months among the NXT roster.

“This is a story that goes back in NXT months, and months ago. They believed that story whenever it first happened. Some don’t believe it, but it’s a story that’s been going around NXT for MONTHS.”

Bryan Alverez.

Neither WWE, Khan, nor Regal have publicly confirmed reports that he is set to leave All Elite Wrestling and return to WWE.

Departure

Regal’s departure from AEW has come as a shock to fans, as the British legend has been featured prominently since arriving as part of the Blackpool Combat Club.

Speaking to Sportskeeda last week, EC3 claimed that what he was told is that Regal “immediately” regretted joining the promotion earlier this year.

It is claimed that Regal took issue with the “maturity issue” with management, though sources have labeled the rumor of AEW’s roster not listening to Regal as ‘completely inaccurate.’

All Elite Wrestling and its roster’s attitude toward coaching has been a hotly debated subject since the All Out “Press Conference From Hell,” when CM Punk vented frustrations – among a number of subjects – at Hangman Adam Page for not being open to coaching from the former AEW, WWE, and ROH champ.

The latest controversy was from Ethan Carter III, who said William Regal was frustrated with talent not taking up offers to coach them prior to AEW shows and said management had maturity issues.

Several AEW sources said the story wasn’t true and blasted Carter for floating it. One source with the company described it as, “completely inaccurate.” One source noted Carter and James being frustrated themselves at not landing jobs in AEW and neither them or Russo have ever been with the company.

“There was no formal coaching session, where it was something that was scheduled or anything like that. Usually he would go down to the ring to help someone, and word would spread, like, “Hey, Regal is down in the ring.” The source said Dustin Rhodes trains younger women’s wrestlers on the roster. He also said Danielson has worked with people regularly and sessions included talent that appeared regularly on Dynamite or Rampage.

“I can’t believe this is a story,” another source said. “It’s complete bullshit. There was never some schedule you had to be down at the ring and people blew it off, and (Regal) was never going to flat tell someone they had to come to the ring so he could coach them. Regal would work with someone, people would go down and show up, a lot of people took advantage of it. Other vets do it all the time. It’s always the younger women and men. Sometimes someone would work with someone one on one, other times there could be quite a few people down. It was totally informal.”

“Regal would even sit in the stands with guys to talk about the fans point of view, or the point of view of watching on TV,” another source said. “He would tell you about making sure to know how you are looking to fans as you come to the ring or how you would look on TV. He said to make sure you’re always really nice to the camera guys, they’re the ones who make you look good (laughing).”

Regal was the on-screen manager of the Blackpool Combat Club since debuting with AEW in March. Several wrestling news sites have reported Regal will be leaving AEW for a return to WWE and would begin work there in 2023. Regal was released by WWE nearly a year ago.

Since then, his friend Paul Levesque has been named head of creative after Vince McMahon was investigated for multiple sex scandals and subsequent payoffs within the company. His son, Charlie Dempsey – who had wrestled as Bailey Matthews was brought to NXT from NXT UK in August. Dempsey scored his first win in the company early last month. Regal’s contract status is unknown, but it’s been speculated he will exercise an out clause. Regal’s relationship with Levesque goes back to the early 1990s in WCW, when Regal mentored him when the two were tag team partners. The two have been close friends for 20 years. Levesque was instrumental in bringing Regal to WWE in the early 2000s and making him a mainstay in WWE’s developmental system after he retired from wrestling.

Former WWE NXT GM William Regal is reportedly returning to WWE following a short stint with AEW.

Regal formed the Blackpool Combat Club with Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson. It appeared that AEW was onto something with the group but the booking quickly made them an afterthought. Claudio Castagnoli and Bryan Danielson chased after the ROH Championship and have been feuding with Jericho Appreciation Society for an eternity while Moxley was doing his own thing as AEW World Champion.

William played a prominent role in the AEW World Championship match at Full Gear. Regal betrayed Jon Moxley and slid him the brass knuckles. MJF would then betray William Regal on this past Wednesday’s edition of Dynamite and bashed him in the back of the head with the brass knuckles.

There have been reports of AEW talent questioning the decision to have Regal be the focal point of the AEW World Championship storyline when it was known he was leaving the company.

EC3 Claims William Regal Regretted Joining AEW

Former WWE Superstar EC3 joined former WWE writer Vince Russo and Dr. Chris Featherstone for the latest edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s The Wrestling Outlaws Show.

During the conversation, EC3 stated that Regal’s value is in a developmental system where the talent listen and that was not the case in AEW.

EC3 added that he heard William Regal immediately regretted joining All Elite Wrestling once he signed with the promotion. The former WWE star claimed that he heard those words verbatim.

William Regal is expected to return to WWE soon, after his release in January of this year left Triple H “very unhappy.”

This week, Regal was written off of TV with an attack by AEW World Champion MJF, who chastised the British veteran for making a deal with ‘the Devil.’

It was reported not long after that Regal is expected to finish with the company and return to WWE when he is able to.

Done

Sources in AEW all are operating on the assumption that he’s leaving the company, Fightful Select has reported.

On the other side, sources from WWE who spoke to Fightful are all under the impression that Regal is rejoining their promotion.

One AEW source said that after the MJF angle that ran last week, William Regal was “done” with the company, and will not be appearing on-screen again.

Unhappy

Regal’s imminent return to WWE comes after the former King of the Ring was released in January of this year.

A WWE source said that it does not come as any surprise that William Regal is likely headed back, given how close he was to Triple H.

Working as a tag team in WCW in 1994, Regal would serve as one of the Game’s groomsmen in 2003, and the pair worked together in NXT until Regal’s release.

That same WWE source added that Triple H was “very unhappy” when Regal was let go, and those in NXT said they believed the Gentleman Villain would be a “lifer” with the brand.

Those in WWE expect him to resume an advanced role similar to the one he had before, but that wasn’t confirmed.