William Regal shared a compelling message online on Monday, which quickly caught the attention of many wrestlers since he rarely engages with social media.
In his post, Regal revealed that he suffered a broken neck in the ring in September 1993 and was involved in a car accident in 1997 that he kept secret. He emphasized that he had been properly trained on how to safely bridge without landing on his head—a skill nearly no one today seems to know or will ever learn. He referenced the death of Mr. Misawa from a neck injury, hoping it would stop dangerous practices in wrestling, but instead, the situation has worsened. Despite warning others, he noted people often dismiss the risks by saying, "Well, it doesn’t hurt," but he urged everyone to believe the danger is very real.
Regal also spoke about how those close to Daniel Bryan endure ongoing struggles and highlighted the lack of fan understanding around moves like the vertical suplex and brainbuster. At 57, Regal admitted feeling less relevant but stressed that fame was never his goal. He urged wrestlers to prioritize their long-term health, warning that if they want a good quality of life after wrestling, they should consider quitting sooner rather than later. Breaking your neck or dying isn’t something to be glorified—it is a foolish mindset.
The post sparked widespread responses from fellow wrestlers. Former WWE star Gail Kim thanked Regal for sharing and stressed the importance of safety, highlighting that wrestling doesn’t truly care for the performers like the wrestlers themselves do. Current WWE talent Piper Niven echoed the concern, expressing the toll these injuries take on wrestlers’ well-being with a plea for awareness.
Kenny Omega also weighed in, appreciating Regal’s positive message and calling for an end to unnecessary rivalries or division. He pointed out that wrestlers often risk their safety chasing high-flying moves, and a reminder like Regal’s is necessary to pull them back to reality about the serious consequences involved. Omega stressed that wrestling injuries are not a simple wrestler-vs-wrestler matter but a call for broader awareness about the costs tied to the risks they take. He advised athletes to understand their physical limits and be realistic about their bodies, recognizing that not everyone is built the same. Omega praised Regal’s message as valuable food for thought, emphasizing it’s not about competition but safety.
Fan Take: This message from William Regal is a crucial wake-up call for WWE fans who sometimes overlook the real dangers behind the high-impact moves in wrestling. It highlights the urgent need for the sport to prioritize wrestler health and safety to preserve their well-being and the future of the industry.
