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Pro Wrestling Legend William Regal Issues Safety Warning to Competitors

12/29/2025, 11:34:34 PM

Urgent Call for Safe Practices in Wrestling

William Regal, a prominent figure in professional wrestling with a history in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), WWE, and All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has issued a stark warning to current in-ring competitors regarding the dangers of unsafe wrestling practices. In a recent social media post, Regal shared his personal experiences with serious injuries, including two broken necks sustained during his wrestling career and a car accident in 1997. He emphasized the importance of learning proper techniques to avoid severe injuries, particularly the skill of safely landing during falls, which he believes is increasingly neglected by newer wrestlers.

Regal's message was prompted by alarming incidents in recent wrestling events, including a dangerous landing by Kyle Fletcher during AEW’s Full Gear and another concerning fall by Bron Breakker at WWE’s Survivor Series: WarGames. While both wrestlers appeared to escape serious injury, Regal's concerns reflect a broader issue within the sport regarding the execution of high-risk moves.

The Consequences of Ignoring Safety

In his post, Regal lamented the lack of awareness among wrestlers about the long-term consequences of unsafe practices. He noted that many young wrestlers dismiss the potential for injury, stating, “well it doesn’t hurt….” He cautioned that such attitudes can lead to chronic pain and suffering, referencing fellow wrestler Bryan Danielson, who also endures daily struggles due to neck injuries. Regal's own experiences have led him to advocate for a more cautious approach to wrestling, urging competitors to prioritize their health over fleeting fame or glory.

Criticism of Current Wrestling Culture

Regal criticized the current culture in professional wrestling, where high-impact moves are often glorified without consideration for the risks involved. He remarked, “Money and whatever nonsense fame is supposed to be is not worth the pain or supposed two evening glory you get from these ridiculous moves dropping yourself on your head.” He expressed concern that many fans and wrestlers do not understand the difference between safer moves and more dangerous maneuvers, which can lead to severe injuries.

Despite acknowledging that wrestling has become safer over the years, Regal pointed out that many top stars still suffer from the cumulative effects of years of high-impact wrestling. He urged younger wrestlers to reconsider their approach, stating, “Stop it now if you want a decent quality of life after wrestling because that part of your life will be over before you know it.”

Verbatim Quotes

  • “I broke my neck twice, (92/93) in ring and a car wreck in ‘97 and stupidly never told anyone.” — William Regal, Pro Wrestling Legend
  • “Money and whatever nonsense fame is supposed to be is not worth the pain or supposed two evening glory you get from these ridiculous moves dropping yourself on your head,” — William Regal, Pro Wrestling Legend
  • “Stop it now if you want a decent quality of life after wrestling because that part of your life will be over before you know it and wrestling done right is hard enough but broken necks or death are not something you should think is tough or cool.” — William Regal, Pro Wrestling Legend

Regal's warning serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safety in professional wrestling, advocating for a shift in mindset among both competitors and fans.