Report: William Regal finalizing WWE deal, expected to start after new year

William Regal will reportedly start back with WWE in early 2023. 

According to a report from PWInsider, Regal is currently finalizing a new deal with WWE and is expected to return to the promotion after the new year in a backstage role. 

Regal's situation was addressed by our own Dave Meltzer on Saturday's edition of Wrestling Observer Radio. Meltzer noted that there should be something on AEW Dynamite this week that addresses Regal's departure. 

"I believe that there is something that's going to be on Wednesday's show, if it doesn't change, where there will be something addressing certain things. That story is supposed to keep going in some way but [Regal] is going back to WWE."

Meltzer would continue to say he's heard multiple stories regarding Regal's contractual status with AEW. 

"I've had so many different people tell me so many different stories. The primary source story is that his contract was short-term. The WWE side says that he had an out."

Regal made his AEW debut at Revolution on March 6, 2022. 

"Does he sign a nine-month deal? It doesn't sound right but that's the closest thing to what I would say is official," Meltzer continued. "Others say that he had an out or Tony gave him an out."