Why William Regal is Perfect Husband Material

The wrestling world is not often one in which you can find good role models. Like other forms of entertainment, it sometimes requires a great heaping dose of salt on behalf of the more morally conscious viewers, in order to enjoy the work of some of the performers.

So how are you supposed to find someone in such an industry you can spend the rest of your life with? Who can you trust and rely on to be there, even on the darkest of days? I'll tell you who - the current NXT General Manager, William "Everyone's Dad" Regal, and I intend to outline the most important reason that this man shines as impeccable husband material.

Now I could go on all day about the virtues you'd expect from an article like this. Of course, he is a hunk of the highest order:

Look at him. Try to contain yourself as you take in the piercing eyes, exuding wisdom. The hair that frankly, for his age, is downright luscious. He's got the aesthetic of a kindly librarian who has a corgi named Cecil but also probably knows an actual hitman on Facebook.

I could go on about how his sense of humour is unparalleled by any measure. In fact, in a business full of dudes trying so hard to get themselves over as tough guys, what is it that motivates our Billy? To quote: "I love doing comedy, right, that's what I do."

Ironic that someone who spent so long convincing us he was a scoundrel actually had the noblest intention of all - to make you laugh. And it isn't just intent, either. You'd think he somehow acquired the talent-stealing basketball the Monstars used, only on Rik Mayall and John Cleese instead of Charles Barkley and co.

We all know and instantly recognise these sides to his character, but they still pale in comparison to his most distinguished feature, the best reason to put a ring on that cuddly rapscallion - his self-growth.

To some, he may appear stuffy and outdated, but he's actually the perfect metaphor for the modern man and what they should strive for. In order to explain, we need to scan all the way back to one of his early characters - The Man's Man.

As is clearly evident by that title, Regal was a man who very much identified himself purely by his masculinity, a trait many men share when maturing and developing. Understandable when trying to find yourself in society.

While this isn't inherently bad (in fact, Regal is portrayed more of a goofy opportunist than a flat out heel) it soon gave way to something far more nefarious.

Cue the Commissioner. A character who saw his masculinity rejected. He had come into power and, with bitter resentment, his masculinity was now steeped in toxicity, and he became a truly hateful figure.

This was the Regal who brandished brass knuckles, who brutalised poor, sweet Tajiri (who himself I feel would be a great husband in his own right. Kissing would be hazardous with the green mist, but I digress) and generally directed his "vile and venom" at anyone who didn't fall in line with his vision of what people should be. While we had moments where we could laugh at this character, make no mistake - this is not someone to emulate. This, quite simply, was a spiteful and dangerous man.

So far it might not sound like the greatest pitch to suggest marrying him, but it's only half the story. We now have our current incarnation of Regal, who is everything a man should be.

Refer to his famous promo I alluded to earlier, given just before his last match with Cesaro. In it, he is up front and honest about his hideous past. He does not shy away from it. He owns up to his sins and knows he can do better now. He feels the heelish antics are a reservoir he has to resort to in order to win one last fight - one that he fails in doing so.

However, this is the last we see of him relying on such behaviour. Now he nurtures young talent.

On his first ever night as NXT GM, he considered a potential dilemma in who could face Adrian Neville for the NXT title at the next Takeover. He had the choice between Tyler Breeze, Tyson Kidd and Sami Zayn. Who did he choose?

He gave the go-ahead for a fatal four way. An "everyone's a winner" outcome the old Regal would never have chosen.

When Pete Dunne disrupted the UK tournament, note Regal's reaction and subsequent interactions with Dunne. He carries a look of disappointment, the look of a father figure who knows his protege has learned the wrong lessons. Lessons he himself would have taught in the past.

What we see here is not violence or rage, but rather a fatherly pat on the shoulder. A signal he hasn't given up on the Bruiserweight just yet, and that he knows deep down that the gentle approach is best. You could say it worked, too, as Dunne has taken on a more heroic persona over the last few months.

After working on his own flaws, while acknowledging his past, Regal has shown he is capable of his own emotional labour. This is a level of maturity and motivation only the best are capable of doing. That’s someone you, as their partner, can rely on. All the other things you could want in a partner - trust, ambition, affection, attentiveness - will flow more freely from someone who knows how to improve their Self.

That's why he's the perfect husband. Not just because he's a hunk (which he is), and not just because he's funny (which he definitely is); it's because he strives to atone for his wrongdoings by doing better for others. Not everyone starts out perfect. Not everyone knows what it takes to be good the first time round.

If you take nothing else from this, though, just remember that if even a scoundrel and a villain can turn things around and cement a brand new legacy, then it's never too late for anyone.

Make the positive changes you need and follow Regal's path to becoming the perfect life partner too.