Multi-time champion to make WWE television comeback after nearly 3 years? Exploring the likelihood

WWE fans witnessed a surprise appearance from The Rock less than two weeks ago. The Great One showed up unannounced on RAW: Day 1. He had a physical altercation with Jinder Mahal before he dropped a major tease for a match against Roman Reigns.

Can we witness another surprise return from a multi-time champion on television in the coming weeks? The person in question is none other than William Regal. The 55-year-old hasn’t appeared on WWE television in three years.

Many fans believe the latest episode of Friday Night SmackDown had a William Regal tease when Butch and Tyler Bate namedropped Blackpool. For those unaware, Regal was billed from Blackpool during his pro wrestling career. Blackpool Combat Club was also the name of his stable in AEW.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported a couple of weeks ago that Regal’s non-compete clause is “just about over,” which loosely translates to a potential return to television. The former Intercontinental Champion was last seen live on television on the November 30, 2022, episode of Dynamite.

Ideally, Regal could show up as Tyler Bate and the soon-to-be Pete Dunne’s manager on WWE SmackDown. For those unaware, Bate made his main roster debut in a tag team match with Dunne on SmackDown: New Year’s Revolution.

William Regal to mentor Nick Aldis on WWE SmackDown?

Nick Aldis was revealed as the General Manager of SmackDown by Triple H on October 13, 2023. The former NWA World Heavyweight Champion brought Kevin Owens to the blue brand as his first official act of power.

Hypothetically, Aldis could look up to William Regal as someone who could mentor him because of his experience in a similar position. The new General Manager has done a fantastic job controlling the chaos on the blue brand so far.

It remains to be seen how Aldis will handle the fatal four-way contract signing next Friday on SmackDown.