Reports have emerged regarding a surprise return to the ring for a beloved former WWE and AEW star. William Regal has been approached by Josh Barnett, promoter of GCW Bloodsport, about the possibility of a shock in-ring return at the event later this month.
GCW Bloodsport XIII is set for April 17th – just two nights before Night 1 of WrestleMania 41 – and will also take place in Las Vegas. The GCW event maintains a distinct approach to professional wrestling, with competitors wrestling in a ring without ropes and turnbuckles. Notably, pinfalls are of no use here either; competitors can only win by knockout or submission.
Bloodsport is one of the most anticipated events on the independent calendar and will surely benefit from its savvy WrestleMania week booking.
While its popularity has grown considerably in recent years, the event consistently attracts well-known wrestlers. The likes of Jon Moxley, Gunther, Josh Alexander, Jordynne Grace, and Kota Ibushi are just a few of the big names that have graced Bloodsport with their presence.
WWE stars at GCW Bloodsport 2025
This year’s edition has already confirmed that several WWE alumni will be competing. They include Karrion Kross, Natalya, Pete Dunne, Zack Sabre Jr., and Shayna Baszler.
Natalya is booked against karate star Miyu Yamashita at Bloodsport.
Another WWE superstar confirmed to be competing is former NXT Heritage Cup Champion – and Regal’s son – Charlie Dempsey. This connection itself could lend some credence to the reports surrounding Regal’s possible in-ring return.
William Regal’s last match was almost 12 years ago – an NXT loss to Cesaro, aka Claudio Castagnoli.
Since his final match, Regal has held multiple roles at WWE, including a stint as NXT General Manager.
After leaving WWE in 2022, Regal signed with AEW and played a pivotal role in several key storylines. A co-founder of the Blackpool Combat Club (now known as The Death Riders), Regal also helped MJF to win the AEW World Championship from Jon Moxley at Full Gear 2022, handing MJF his signature brass knuckles while the referee was debilitated.
Regarding Regal’s return, Josh Barnett confirmed that he had approached the 2008 King of the Ring with a pitch for Bloodsport. “You think I haven’t had some conversations with William Regal about, ‘If you should feel spry. You know…,’” Barnett said, in an appearance on Ringsiders Wrestling.
“I say the ball is in his court, not as like a challenge or anything like that. It’s just, he’s the boss here. If he tells me it’s time, done. If he says, ‘Eh, I’m better off spectating.’ Done. Whatever he wants, he’s correct. That’s the way I see it.”
While Barnett seems far from coaxing Regal into contract negotiations, their harmonious professional relationship creates the possibility for a return in the future.
As for Regal’s son, Charlie Dempsey, his match against Shinya Aoki will be his fourth appearance at Bloodsport. As Dempsey’s association with GCW strengthens, it more than leaves the door open for Regal’s return in the future.
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