Legendary Brit Set To Retire: 5 Things We Can Thank William Regal For

WILLIAM REGAL — the most famous and successful British wrestler of the modern era — has announced his retirement from the ring.

Wrestling at London's O2 Arena last night, Regal told the sold-out crowd this would be the last time they would see him perform in the UK.

To a huge ovation, the grappler said: "This will be a little over 27 years I've been doing this now.

As you can see we've got an incredible, wonderful crop of WWE superstars coming through.

"Maybe this is my last tour—so thank you very much."

As some fans booed the mention of retirement, William added: "No no no, believe me this was the way I wanted to end it all. Thank you."

Although Regal never won a world heavyweight championship, his haul of belts comprises almost everything else including WWE tag, Intercontinental, hardcore and European straps as well WCW's television title.

He was also the 2008 King of the Ring and, less impressively, the first member of the Vince McMahon Kiss My Ass Club.

Throughout a career that spanned the entire globe, Regal worked with everyone from Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks to Triple H and Randy Orton.

His legacy also includes training many of today's top workers, including WWE standouts Daniel Bryan and CM Punk and TNA's Samoa Joe.

His Brilliant Accomplishment

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated

• World Championship Wrestling

• 
  World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
  
  
  
  • World Tag Team Championship (4x) – with Lance Storm (2x), Eugene (1) and Tajiri (1)
  
  
  • WWF Hardcore Championship (3x)
  
  
  • WWF/E European Championship (4x)
  
  
  • WWF/E Intercontinental Championship (2x)
  
  
  • King of the Ring (2008)
  
  

Jobbing Some of WWE's Finest Wrestlers

Regal has jobbed to the likes of CM Punk, Randy Orton, Vladimir Kozlov, Bobby Lashley, Kofi Kingston, Sheamus, Carlito, Evan Bourne, Christian, Yoshi Tatsu, Jamie Noble, MVP and Tommy Dreamer amongst many more.

CM Punk, Randy Orton and Sheamus went on to win multiple World Titles.

Tommy Dreamer and Christian dominated WWE's ECW brand.

And stars like Borune, Kingston and Tatsu are tipped for the future so I just want to say thank your for you help in building up these men.

Brining Back Some Honour and Credibility to the Intercontenental Championship

One time on RAW, Santino was IC Champion (believe it or not) and he had stupid segments weekly.

On the November 3, 2008 episode of Raw, Regal won an over-the-top battle royal to face Santino Marella for the Intercontinental Title, and the next week in Manchester, England, his hometown.

Regal defeated Marella in a 40 second squash match to win his second Intercontinental Title.

When Regal won the title and brought it with him every where and continuously talked up how much it ment to him it was awesome, to say the very least.

His reign may not of been very good or long but you can see him and WWE had some very good intentions.

Producing Some Amazing Stars

CM Punk - A man who has accomplished almost everything in the WWE was trained by none other than William Regal.

Brian Kendricks - The talented, misused star was also brought up by the British-man.

Ezekiel Jakcson - Regal was his on-screen mentor and established the Ruthless Roundatble with Zek and Vladimir Kozlov.

Samoa Joe - The big TNA man is also a proud graduate of Regal's training.

Chris Hero - The Ring of Honour star has also been trained by former Intercontinental Champ, Regal!

Incredible On-Screen Moments

Will we ever forgot when Kane and Taker burned down his office?

Will we ever forgot King Booker's court?

Will we ever forgot when he helped Zek become the final ever ECW Champion?

Will we ever forgot when he invaded the ECW PPV with other WWE stars?

Will we ever forget his amazing matches with like the likes of Edge, Jericho and Benoit?

Will we ever forget the un-Americans?

Will we ever forget William Regal?

No!