5 reasons why AEW should sign William Regal following his WWE departure - Retirement match with former NXT Champion, possible authority role

The William Regal era of NXT has officially come to an end after the NXT GM was announced in WWE's latest batch of releases. The move was described as a continued focus on the reboot of the brand. Regal was released alongside another pivotal member of the backroom staff, Road Dogg.

The past 6 months have seen WWE reform NXT with an entirely new recruitment drive and set of core values. William Regal had not been seen in his on-screen role since the NXT 2.0 revamp. However, he was working behind-the-scenes as a coach and talent scout.

As an almost forty-year veteran of the industry, the former King of the Ring will take a wealth of experience wherever he goes. AEW has made a habit of building a team of veterans to enhance their roster. The company brought in the likes of Paul Wight, Mark Henry and Sting when they departed WWE.

Let's take a look at why Regal would be on AEW's radar as well as the benefits he would bring to the promotion.

#5 William Regal would bring his eye for talent to AEW

William Regal served WWE as an in-ring talent during his early career. Later on, Regal became a pivotal member of the backroom staff of NXT. After it was announced that Regal had departed, stories filled social media regarding the impact he had on a number of WWE careers.

The likes of Kevin Owens and Becky Lynch took to social media to communicate their gratitude for Regal and his efforts in NXT. He played an integral role in building the foundations that were laid for their championship littered careers.

Regal famously put his job on the line for Sasha Banks in a move that will forever have The Blueprint in his debt. Furthermore, William Regal has been highly credited for scouting the British wrestling scene in order to build the NXT UK brand.

If AEW were to bring Regal into the fold, they would inherit an eye for talent that has helped shape WrestleMania's main events. His free agency also comes at a stage where AEW are required to be more selective with their recruitment, due to their inflated roster.

#4 William Regal could be the first AEW General Manager

William Regal adopted a number of roles during his tenure with WWE, but fans will always recognize the Briton as NXT General Manager. Regal bellowing "WarGames" to a group of talent and his continued tensions with Pete Dunne are particularly memorable moments.

Unlike Stephanie and Shane McMahon, he wasn't a character who became too embroiled in storylines. He served purely to make matches official and organize his talent.

This is a role that could benefit AEW as it'd give some semblance of organization to the free-for-all of talent. Regal also shares a lengthy history with a chunk of the AEW roster, so there's a variety of narratives for the company to follow.

#3 William Regal could lend his voice in a commentary role

Before settling into his GM role, Regal made use of his vocal talents as color commentator for NXT. Regal innovated the role in WWE, influencing the color commentary we see from Nigel McGuinness and Wade Barrett today.

As a student of the game since the age of 15, Regal made sure to provide insight into the craft as he watched on. He focused on the moves and their effects, which provided a breath of fresh air to the linear commentary found on the main roster.

AEW has taken a very similar approach, with a commentary team comprising of Jim Ross, Excalibur, and Taz. The in-ring talent are also regularly invited to bring their own insight. William Regal would slot right in, providing expert coverage alongside the veterans in place. Regal has a unique perspective, as he has worked closely with many on the roster. He could provide testaments to the characters behind the stories that unfold.

#2 William Regal would bring a wealth of experience as a trainer

William Regal has been wrestling since he was fifteen years old. The veteran has shared the ring with industry legends like Robbie Brookside and Ric Flair. It goes without saying that Regal is in possession of the most valuable commodity in the business, experience.

William Regal has always been willing to evolve. In his glistening career we have seen the legend go through a litany of changes, he has worked as a master of grabs and a comedic sports-entertainer.

After hanging up his boots, William Regal offered his wealth of experience to WWE Performance Center hopefuls in NXT. He has helped mold raw talent into the complete package.

His arrival at AEW would spell great things for their Nightmare Factory. He would add almost four decades of wisdom to an already impressive coaching team comprised of QT Marshall and Arn Anderson.

#1 William Regal could have a final retirement run in AEW

On the January 14th edition of RAW in 2008, William Regal battled Ric Flair during the latter's final run. It was a run that served as the swansong to the career of the 16-time world champion, which was capped off with his WrestleMania farewell against Shawn Michaels.

Regal has been silently retired since a clash with Cesaro in 2013 on NXT. Their match was a clinic for the fundamentals of wrestling but it doesn't quite sit right that such a storied career had such a silent conclusion.

We have seen the likes of Sting and Billy Gunn enter AEW to lace up their boots once again. Regal probably has more in the tank, given the fact he is younger than those previously mentioned.

Perhaps he could have his final run in AEW, akin to Flair's final chapter. With the black and gold NXT alumni that occupy the roster, we could see William Regal take on the likes of Bobby Fish. AEW could go even further and give Adam Cole the final farewell bout. It would be an amazing sight to see the beating heart of the black and yellow brand and it's greatest ever champion clash.