William Regal, real name Darren Matthews, spent 22 years with WWE before he was let go this past January. While with the company, he worked in various roles, including General Manager, wrestler, on-air personality, scout, and trainer.
Regal had previously wrestled as ‘Steven Regal’ before going to WWE and using the William name. He still uses the William name in AEW after making his debut for the promotion at the Revolution pay-per-view in March.
During a K & S WrestleFest virtual signing, Regal revealed that he asked former WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon for his blessing to use his current ring name even though he owns the trademark rights to the name.
“I own William Regal, but if Mr. McMahon asked me not to use it, I wouldn’t use it… I’d be just Steven Regal. He gave me his blessing. No problems with me and Mr. McMahon at all.”
Regal turned on Jon Moxley during the AEW World Championship bout at Full Gear to help MJF win the title. He was seemingly written off television last week after Moxley told him to run far away from him or he would beat him up.
This angle has led to speculation about Regal’s AEW future. You can read the latest update on his contract status and potential WWE return here.
H/T POST Wrestling for the transcription
