Kenny Omega, Ivar and Piper Niven respond to William Regal’s safety warning

Photo Courtesy: All Elite Wrestling

Several prominent wrestlers have publicly supported William Regal following his recent warning regarding dangerous in-ring moves and long-term health.

The WWE Vice President of Global Talent Development posted a statement on Sunday labeling head-dropping moves as “idiotic thinking”, citing his own history of neck injuries.

AEW’s Kenny Omega addressed the comments on Monday. While some online discourse suggested Regal’s timing was a critique of a specific spot involving Kyle Fletcher at AEW Worlds End, Omega urged fans to ignore “tribalism” and focus on the safety message.

Omega noted that safety often takes a back seat when performers are “chasing the dragon,” adding that wrestlers sometimes need a “voice from afar” to remind them of the consequences.

WWE SmackDown talent Piper Niven also commented. Niven has been out of action since August dealing with a neck injury.

She warned peers that the line between feeling fine and simply wanting to feel okay again is “horrifically thin.”

Niven also defended Regal against claims of hypocrisy regarding the source of the scary spots, suggesting his public post was a method to reach talent he does not have a direct line of communication with.

Ivar of the War Raiders provided a grim perspective on living with neck trauma. The 40-year-old underwent surgery in 2020 and suffered another injury in April 2024.

He revealed in a recent interview that he lives with permanent nerve damage and pain in his hands. He described the injury as a clear dividing line in his life history.

The conversation regarding neck health intensified following the Continental Classic semifinal at AEW Worlds End, where Kyle Fletcher landed awkwardly during a move by Jon Moxley.

About Neal Flanagan 1699 Articles
Based in Northern Ireland, Neal Flanagan is a former newspaper journalist and copy editor. In addition to reporting for POST Wrestling, he co-hosts The Wellness Policy and Book Club podcasts.