William Regal Then and Now

William Regal Then

Darren Kenneth Matthews, born on May 10, 1968, in Codsall, United Kingdom, is better known to the wrestling world as William Regal. 

From a young age, Matthews was immersed in the world of professional wrestling. 

Trained by Marty Jones, he began his wrestling journey at just 15 years old, performing at the wrestling challenge booth at the Horseshoe Showbar at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. 

Initially, Matthews worked as a shooter, using his skills to fend off challengers from the public and defend prize money. 

His early experiences in British wrestling were marked by his performances for All-Star Wrestling, where he frequently teamed with Robbie Brookside as The Golden Boys. 

This period of his career included televised matches during the final years of ITV’s coverage of British wrestling, establishing him as a prominent figure in the UK wrestling scene.

William Regal Wrestling Career

Matthews’ career took a significant turn in the early 1990s as he expanded his wrestling presence internationally. 

His initial foray into major American promotions came in 1991 with a tryout match for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he wrestled under the name Steve Regal. 

He also appeared in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) during this period. 

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Matthews’ career trajectory continued upward as he signed with WCW in 1992, where he became known as Steven Regal and won the WCW World Television Championship multiple times.

In 1998, Regal joined the WWF (later WWE), where he achieved considerable success, becoming a two-time Intercontinental Champion, a five-time Hardcore Champion, and a four-time European Champion, among other accolades. 

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Regal’s role in WWE extended beyond in-ring competition; he served as commissioner, General Manager of Raw, and match coordinator for NXT. 

After leaving WWE in 2022, Regal signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he founded and managed the Blackpool Combat Club before returning to WWE in January 2023 as Vice President of Global Talent Development. 

His career is marked by his contributions both in the ring and behind the scenes, showcasing his extensive impact on the wrestling industry.

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William Regal Wrestling Competition

• All-Star Wrestling
• World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
• World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
• Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)
• Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)
• All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
• WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)

William Regal’s Wife and Children

William Regal began dating Christina Beddoes in 1985 when they were both 17 years old. 

Their relationship blossomed, leading to their marriage in November 1986. 

Together, they have three children, one of whom, Charlie Dempsey, has followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in professional wrestling. 

Charlie, known in the wrestling world by his ring name, Charlie Dempsey, represents the continuation of the Regal family’s legacy in the sport.

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William Regal Now

William Regal, born Darren Kenneth Matthews, is currently 56 years old and remains a significant figure in the wrestling industry. 

Although he has retired from in-ring competition, Regal continues to make substantial contributions to the sport through his role behind the scenes. 

He is currently signed to WWE, where he serves as the Vice President of Global Talent Development. 

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In this position, Regal is responsible for overseeing the development and recruitment of new talent, leveraging his extensive experience and expertise to shape the future of professional wrestling.

Regal’s influence extends beyond WWE. He is also known for his impactful tenures in other major wrestling promotions. 

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In World Championship Wrestling (WCW), he gained prominence as Steven Regal, a character who won multiple titles and became a key player in the company’s roster. 

Additionally, Regal made a notable return to the wrestling spotlight in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he served as a manager and played a pivotal role in establishing the Blackpool Combat Club, a faction that made waves in the promotion.

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Through his roles in WWE, WCW, and AEW, William Regal has cemented his legacy not only as a celebrated wrestler but also as a valuable mentor and leader in the wrestling world. 

His contributions continue to impact the industry, shaping the careers of future stars and influencing the direction of professional wrestling.

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