Professional wrestling has lost another veteran performer with the revelation that Steve Regal, known to fans as “Mr. Electricity,” died on July 30, 2025, at age 73. The National Wrestling Alliance announced his passing on Dec. 8, 2025, several months after his death occurred. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
The NWA, which honored Regal as a former World Junior Heavyweight Champion, released a statement remembering the wrestler’s contributions to the sport. “Defeating Denny Brown for the title, this flashy and charismatic grappler reigned atop pro wrestling’s junior heavyweight in 1986, paving a path for generations to come,” the organization stated. The announcement caught many in the wrestling community by surprise, as Regal’s death had not been publicly known until months after it occurred.
Regal’s wrestling career began in 1977 and spanned nearly two decades before his retirement in 1996. He rose to prominence in the American Wrestling Association, where he became a standout performer in the light heavyweight division. His athletic ability and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite during the 1980s, an era often considered the golden age of professional wrestling when regional territories thrived and television exposure brought the sport into mainstream American culture.
One of Regal’s most significant accomplishments came in 1984 when he captured the AWA World Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Buck Zumhofe. He held that title for 613 days, establishing himself as a dominant force in the division. His success continued the following year when he teamed with Jimmy Garvin to win the AWA tag team title in September 1985, defeating the legendary Road Warriors in what became one of the memorable upsets of that era.
Standing six feet tall, Regal competed against some of wrestling’s most recognizable names during his career. His matches included encounters with established stars such as the Junkyard Dog, George Steele, Tito Santana, and Pedro Morales. These high-profile matchups helped cement his reputation as a reliable performer capable of working with top talent across different wrestling organizations.
Regal’s career took him beyond American borders when he toured All Japan Pro Wrestling during the summer of 1982. International tours were common for American wrestlers during this period, as Japanese promotions sought foreign talent to add diversity to their cards and American wrestlers looked to expand their experience and earning potential. These tours often exposed performers to different wrestling styles and helped develop their in-ring skills.
In 1986, Regal achieved another career milestone when he defeated Denny Brown to capture the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship in August, while working for Jim Crockett Promotions. In September 1986, he had a stint with the WWF, where he made his debut and participated in tag team matches alongside Terry Gibbs. However, his time with the company proved short-lived, as he left after just two months with the organization.
The wrestling industry during Regal’s active years operated differently than the modern era. Regional territories controlled different geographic areas, and wrestlers often traveled from one promotion to another to maintain steady work. Success in one territory could lead to opportunities elsewhere, and performers built their reputations through consistent performances and word-of-mouth recommendations from promoters and fellow wrestlers.
Regal had family connections to the wrestling business through his relationship with Wilbur Snyder, as he was the son-in-law of the veteran wrestler. He was married to his wife for over 50 years, demonstrating a commitment to family that extended well beyond his professional career. At the time of his death, he was living in Greenwood, Indiana.
The circumstances surrounding the delayed announcement of Regal’s death highlight how some wrestlers who retire from the spotlight can become disconnected from the broader wrestling community. One promoter had been attempting to contact him for a signing event scheduled for 2026, unaware that he had passed away months earlier. This situation reflects the reality that many former performers from earlier eras may not maintain regular contact with wrestling organizations or fellow veterans after leaving the business.
The NWA’s tribute praised Regal’s “flashy and charismatic style” that defined his in-ring persona and helped him stand out during a competitive era filled with talented performers. Professional wrestling in the 1980s required more than just athletic ability—performers needed personality, showmanship, and the ability to connect with audiences in arenas across the country. Regal’s “Mr. Electricity” nickname reflected the energy he brought to his performances.
Following his 1996 retirement, Regal stepped away from the wrestling world that had defined much of his adult life. His career represents an era when wrestlers traveled constantly, worked multiple nights per week, and built their reputations through performances in regional territories before national television exposure became the norm. The wrestling community now remembers him as part of that generation of performers who helped build the foundation for the industry’s eventual mainstream success.