Last January 5, WWE released several longtime employees, including wrestling legend William Regal. He worked in the company for more than twenty years, starting out as a wrestler, then transitioning into a management role. Regal worked as WWE’s Director of Talent Development and Head of Global Recruiting as well as the company's main talent scout. William also played an on-screen authority figure role as the General Manager of NXT.
This past February 9th, former WWE Star William Regal, under his real name, Darren Matthews, filed to trademark the “William Regal” and “Lord Steven Regal” ring names with the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) for merchandise purposes and entertainment services. 1998 and February 14, 1998 were listed as the “First Use” dates for the “William Regal” ring name and February 14, 1998 was also listed as the “Use In Commerce” date.
The “First Use” and “Use In Commerce” dates listed for the “Lord Steven Regal” name is June 12, 1993, which is when the former WWE Superstar made his WCW debut as Lord Steven Regal on WCW Saturday Night. Regal had these trademark filings done after he launched his Pro Wrestling Tees store. The former WWE Star was previously offered a job from IMPACT Wrestling. There's no word yet on if Regal has a 90-day non-compete clause with the WWE or just a 30-day non-compete clause, but if Regal is under the 90-day clause with the WWE, then he would become a free agent by Tuesday, April 5, but if Regal is under the 30-day clause, then he would already be a free agent.
Below is the use descriptions submitted to the USPTO:
“IC 025. US 022 039. G & S: Hats; Shirts; Bandanas; Sweatshirts; Hooded sweatshirts. FIRST USE: 20220000. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20220000”
“IC 041. US 100 101 107. G & S: Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainment personality; Entertainment services, namely, providing podcasts in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment; Entertainment services, namely, providing video podcasts in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment; Entertainment services, namely, televised appearances by a professional wrestling and sports entertainment personality; Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; Providing online interviews featuring professional wrestling and sports entertainment personality in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment for entertainment purposes. FIRST USE: 19930612. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19930612.”
