Kenny Omega thanks William Regal for safety warning

Kenny Omega AEW

AEW star Kenny Omega appreciates the message William Regal sent out regarding the need for wrestlers to protect their health.

Last night, Regal posted a tweet urging today’s generation of wrestlers to think about their long-term future and stop doing “stupid” moves where they land on their heads. The message has mostly been well-received, but it has inspired some tribalism on social media among fans who think Regal — who works behind the scenes in WWE — was publicly calling out an AEW spot when he would not have done so for something that happened in his own company. Though Regal did not mention him by name, it’s believed that the spot where Kyle Fletcher landed on his neck at Worlds End inspired Regal to post what he did.

Omega responded by thanking Regal and calling his comments “great food for thought.” Omega believes safety is something wrestlers should always be cognizant of — and tribalism should not come into play.

  • Regardless of timing or perceived intent, the general message from Mr. Regal remains a positive one. Tribalism, whataboutism, and other ‘isms’ aren’t needed here.
  • Safety often takes a back seat when a wrestler is locked in and actively chasing the dragon. We all sometimes need a voice from afar to tether us back to reality and to tell us that the risks have consequences. The odds aren’t in our favor and none of us will walk away unscathed.
  • This isn’t company vs company or wrestler vs wrestler. This is about a general awareness and a knowing that the cost of what we do is directly related to the amount and severity of risk(s) that we take.
  • Keeping that in mind, as athletes, we aren’t all created equally. As responsible adults, we need to be realistic and know our own physical limits. I’d have to give my head a shake if I wanted to try a twisting shooting star, but I’d never say a word to Pac.
  • I look at this all as great food for thought. Something to always be cognizant of. It shouldn’t be about making it a competition.
  • Thank you, Mr. Regal.

WWE’s Piper Niven and Ivar — who have both battled serious neck issues — are among the other wrestlers who have responded to Regal’s comments with support.

The spot from Worlds End happened in a match where Fletcher lost to Jon Moxley in the Continental Classic semifinals. Fletcher is believed to be doing fine despite how scary the spot looked.

Google Icon

Exclusive access to podcasts and newsletters

Subscribe
Joseph Currier
Joseph Currier

Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.

In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.