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WILLIAM REGAL Height: 6' 2" |
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William Regal was less than pleased when he was instructed by Eric
Bischoff to baby sit the General Manager’s “special” nephew, Eugene.
Regal, a superb, old-school wrestler, was charged with teaching the young
man the ways of the sport. In the weeks that followed, fans saw
transitions not just in the young athlete, but Regal himself.
The native of Blackpool in Lancashire, England, Regal spent his early days in the mat wars taking on all comers in carnivals. It was this period that later enabled him to immediately alter his style to battle a new opponent, and trap foes in unconventional, maiming holds. Regal’s highly developed skills allowed him to travel the globe, where he enhanced his knowledge in Japan, India and the Middle East, among other places, before finally landing in the United States. After a stint in WCW, Regal joined WWE, becoming the organization’s commissioner for a period of time, and holding the European, Intercontinental and Tag Team Championships. Nonetheless, Regal was not often taken seriously – as exemplified by a 2001 incident in which he was forced to kiss WWE owner Vince McMahon’s buttocks. The assignment to monitor Eugene was initially another effort to belittle Regal. But as Eugene improved as a wrestler, and Regal became one of his charge’s chief defenders, the Britisher regained something he’d long ago forsaken: his dignity. |
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