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Several readers sent word this morning that former AWA star "Mr. Electricity" Steve Regal, real name, Stephen Michael Regal, passed away this past July. At the time, Regal's passing was not known in the pro wrestling circles as I know of one wrestling convention promoter who was trying to find him for a signing event slated for 2026.
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Regal began his professional wrestling career in 1977 and quickly established himself as a skilled and technically proficient performer. His most prominent push on a national basis came in Verne Gagne's American Wrestling Association (AWA) during the mid-1980s. In 1984, he captured the AWA World Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Buck Zumhofe. The following year, he was paired with Jimmy Garvin, and, aided by the Fabulous Freebirds, the duo secured the AWA World Tag Team Championship by defeating The Road Warriors. Regal and Garvin later dropped the titles to Curt Hennig and Scott Hall. Regal was part of the AWA Remco toy line during that era.
Regal subsequently moved to Don Owens' Oacific Northwest Wrestling territory, where he twice held the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship before vacating the title in December 1981 due to injury. During this period, he also competed in World Class Championship Wrestling, challenging Brian Adias for the Texas Heavyweight Title.
In 1986, Regal transitioned to Jim Crockett Promotions, debuting in Baltimore in a 20 minute draw with Denny Brown for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship. He appeared regularly on televised programming throughout the spring and summer and engaged in a lengthy series of matches with Brown. Regal ultimately captured the NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship in August 1986 at the Great American Bash tour stop in Atlanta before losing the belt back to Brown on 9/1. After a final match with Héctor Guerrero on 9/4, he left for the World Wrestling Federation.
Regal joined the WWF roster later in 1986, but despite entering with strong credentials, he was used primarily as enhancement talent at a time when the company favored larger performers. Although still billed as “Mr. Electricity,” he did not receive much of a promotional push, instead working underneath matches for a month or so.
Regal returned to the NWA on March 20, 1988, defeating Spike Huber in Peoria, Illinois and worked for Windy City Wrestling promotion, where he achieved his longest championship run. Crowned the inaugural WCW Heavyweight Champion, Regal held the title for 619 days, defending it against notable opponents including Jim Brunzell, Ken Patera, and Colonel DeBeers. He continued to compete for the promotion until 1995. Regal officially retired from professional wrestling in 1996.
Regal was residing in Indiana at the time of his passing. He was 73 years old.
PWInsider.com sends our deepest condolences to Regal's family, frends and fans.
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