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The real reason Regal is off television

The surprising plot twist of William Regal being fired on Raw last night was due to Regal (Darren Matthews) being suspended 60 days for his second violation of WWE’s drug policy. WWE announced the suspension on its Web site this morning.

The abrupt halt to Regal's story line -- which was the main angle on Raw -- seemed like it had to be a response to one of two things: Either WWE was panicking because the ratings had slipped, or, as I wrote early this morning, “something has happened behind the scenes that we don’t know about.” Now we know.

Regal has been open about his battles with drug addiction, including going into detail about the subject in his autobiography. He also has credited Vince McMahon with saving his life by for paying for his rehab several years ago.

This latest setback comes at a time when he was getting perhaps the biggest push of his career. It also means that he is one more violation away from termination.

I have long admired Regal as a performer, and I hope I can see a lot more of his work in the future. More importantly, I hope that Darren Matthews can overcome his problems and get his life back on track.

Comments

Poor Regal. The guy was really generating some heel heat for his actions, and now it transfers into real life heat.

I never realized how big of a problem drugs are in the WWE. I'd imagine that's a huge problem in TNA as well, though.

Regal looked to be crying last night after he lost the match to Mr. Kennedy. Hopefully those tears show that he realizes what is at stake and he is able to get some help and get his life together.

Ironic how not to long ago Regal interrupted Jeff Hardy's apology speech during his most recent come-back.

Suspensions don't seem to hurt guys pushes anymore.

Jeff Hardy picked up right where he left off.

Same with most of the guy who were part of the Signature Pharmacy scandal.

I watch the show knowing before hand about Regal suspension and I felt kind of sad.
Obviously, not for the show losing a huge character, but for Regal himself. As you said, it was his biggest push ever, and it's unfair to say (as was said with hardy) "he messed up,so screw him" because addictions are a very difficult issue to deal with.
I hope to see him and his terrific performance after this 2 month of forced hiatus.

Wow that's news to me, I never knew William Regal was battling drug problems and always thought he had his life on track. I kind of feel bad for cheering when he left RAW last Monday now :/

Anyways, Teddy Long is probably going to become the GM of RAW but do you have any ideas on what DiBiase is going to be doing on RAW?

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I don't expect DiBiase to have a recurring role. He has made cameos on WWE TV from time to time, and that's what I think this was. His autobiography (through WWE publishing) is coming out soon, so that may have something to do with his appearance.

Drugs and wrestling go together like peanut butter and jelly, and that is not changing anytime soon. WWE's drug policy is a publicity stunt. They have no intention of implementing policy to eliminate these problems or ease their stress put on their employees, which they consider independent contractors.

Can't work in WWE unless you work the insane schedule. Most can't do the schedule without drugs. Sad, but the way it was, is, and will be.

i think the rock should join dx and beat up jbl orton the rock and stone cold to be come new smackedown champions for ever and ever bring back kurt team 3d abyss and rino to the wwe

Andy makes wrestling fans look stupid.

I think Regal got what he deserved. So did Hardy. The only reason I feel bad for them is because there are probably top level stars who get away with what they get in trouble for. (I'm looking at you HHH and Orton.)

Oh and I think that we should build a time machine and go back to 1997 or 1998 so Andy will be happy. Because apparently the Attitude Era is really possible again. I also think Vince Mcmahon should invest in Crystal Clear Pepsi and while we are on the subject of things that will never happen, he should also bring back XFL, that bodybuilding league and the Original ECW.

Oh and we should abolish capital letters, sentence structure, proper grammar and periods.

What Vince did to regal was in my view point wrong. What if it was an actual mistake in a supplement. Triple H, Orton, Micheals get off the Hook. They could have worked out a better storyline than firing Regal. If it is he fell off the wagon as JR said on his website, I pray he gets help, He was actually just as close to Eddie as Benoit. Maybe we should be giving him prayers if he did hit rock bottom instead of worrying about his push. You are in my Thoughts Dave.

I fully believe that it WAS a mistake in a supplement! He has worked hard to fight his addictions. Being addicted to pain pills is tough when you need to take them to get rid of the constant pain...regardless he will serve his suspension and come back and possibly use this to pick up where he left off.

This is only for the blog owner I just want to thanks this guy because of it I get lots of information from it ….
thanks for the info you provided

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About the blogger
The Baltimore Sun's Kevin Eck blogs about professional wrestling. Listen to Eck Wednesdays at 3 p.m. on WNST 1570 AM.
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