**Pro Wrestling Legend William Regal Advocates for Safety in the Ring**
Pro wrestling icon William Regal has taken to social media to emphasize the importance of safety practices among in-ring competitors, especially in light of recent concerning incidents. Regal, who has a storied career with promotions like WCW, WWE, and AEW, shared a personal message alongside an X-ray revealing his own injuries sustained from dangerous moves in the ring.
In his post, Regal expressed his alarm over the reckless behavior he has observed in wrestling today. He recounted his own experiences, including breaking his neck twice in the early ’90s and suffering additional injuries from a car accident in 1997. Despite being trained in proper techniques, he noted that many current wrestlers lack the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves.
Regal lamented the ongoing trend of risky maneuvers, particularly after the tragic passing of Japanese wrestling legend Mitsuharu Misawa, which he had hoped would prompt a change in attitudes towards safety. He highlighted the misconception among some wrestlers that dangerous moves are harmless, warning that the long-term consequences can be severe. Regal mentioned fellow wrestler Bryan Danielson, who, like him, suffers daily from neck issues.
Recent months have seen several alarming incidents in wrestling, including a dangerous suplex by Jon Moxley at AEW’s Full Gear and a risky Doomsday Device executed by CM Punk and Cody Rhodes at WWE’s Survivor Series: WarGames. While both wrestlers appeared to escape serious injury, the potential for harm remains high.
Regal urged current wrestlers to reconsider their approach, stating that the fleeting fame and financial rewards of wrestling are not worth the long-term pain and suffering that can result from unsafe practices. He emphasized that many fans do not understand the difference between various wrestling moves, which can lead to dangerous imitations.
At 57, Regal acknowledged that he may not hold the same relevance as before, but he hopes that his message resonates with at least a few wrestlers. He concluded by stressing that wrestling should be performed safely, as the consequences of negligence can lead to broken necks or worse, which should never be viewed as a badge of honor.
**FAQ**
**What safety measures should wrestlers take to prevent injuries?**
Wrestlers should prioritize proper training in techniques, avoid high-risk maneuvers unless fully confident in their execution, and communicate openly about safety concerns with their peers and trainers.
