On a recent edition of his “1 Of A Kind” podcast, Rob Van Dam discussed working with William Regal in WCW and his respect for his Lordship.
RVD said, “I always had a lot of respect for him and considered him more of a teacher than a peer. Because he had me doing stuff that I normally wouldn’t do … I worked William Regal [in WCW] and I just remember hitting a top wristlock, and he was able to teach me and coached me through a match [where] I was looking so good, jumping up and doing head scissors. But he pushed me off, and I try again. Boom, maybe I would kick him or something, and this time, maybe I would take him down.”
He continued, “I don’t remember exactly what it was, but it was still while we’re in the top wristlock and working up here instead of working on the mat. It seemed like we kept going up to that, and I was like, ‘Wow, I appreciate this guy’s England perspective,’ or whatever it is. I always respected him.”
Tod Gordon and Paul Heyman recently discussed the early days of ECW for a new feature article with the Philadelphia Inquirer.
You can check out some highlights from the feature article below:
Heyman on the ECW product: “[I wanted to] create so much noise out of that bingo hall that fans of WWF and WCW [World Championship Wrestling] not only notice, but start clamoring and demanding the style that we were implementing. And to his credit, I never had to sell Tod on it.”
Gordon on the promotion’s rise early on: “I wish we would have walked before we ran. The growth became so overwhelming. I couldn’t run my business here and run what was going there at the rate it was growing. It was just so fast.”
In the world of professional wrestling, there are certain individuals who leave a lasting impact on their peers and the industry as a whole. One such individual is William Regal, a British wrestler known for his technical prowess and ability to teach others. Recently, Rob Van Dam, a legendary wrestler in his own right, discussed his experience working with Regal in WCW and expressed his admiration for him.
During an episode of his “1 Of A Kind” podcast, Van Dam shared his thoughts on Regal, stating, “I always had a lot of respect for him and considered him more of a teacher than a peer.” Van Dam highlighted how Regal pushed him to do things he wouldn’t normally do in the ring, helping him improve his skills and expand his repertoire.
One particular match with Regal stood out to Van Dam. He recalled hitting a top wristlock, a move where the wrestlers lock hands and try to overpower each other. Instead of sticking to the traditional approach, Regal coached Van Dam through the match, encouraging him to incorporate high-flying moves like head scissors. This unexpected guidance impressed Van Dam and made him appreciate Regal’s perspective.
Van Dam couldn’t recall the exact details of the match, but he remembered how Regal kept them working on their feet rather than on the mat. This unique approach showcased Regal’s England perspective and added a fresh dynamic to their bout. Van Dam’s experience with Regal solidified his respect for the seasoned wrestler and teacher.
In addition to Van Dam’s praise, Tod Gordon and Paul Heyman, two influential figures in the wrestling industry, recently discussed the early days of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer. Heyman, who was the creative force behind ECW, aimed to create a product that would make fans of larger promotions like WWF and WCW take notice.
Heyman wanted ECW to be so groundbreaking and innovative that fans would demand the same style from other promotions. Gordon, who played a crucial role in the promotion’s rise, admitted that the rapid growth of ECW became overwhelming. He expressed a desire to have taken things slower initially, as the demands of running the business alongside the rapid expansion proved challenging.
The interviews with Van Dam, Gordon, and Heyman shed light on the impact of influential figures like William Regal and the challenges faced by those involved in the wrestling industry. Regal’s ability to teach and push his peers to new heights is a testament to his skill and dedication. Meanwhile, the rise of ECW serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in running a successful wrestling promotion.
Overall, these discussions provide valuable insights into the world of professional wrestling and the individuals who shape it. From the respect and admiration for William Regal to the trials and triumphs of ECW, it is clear that the wrestling industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape.