Wrestling fans are mourning the loss of Steve Regal — known to many as “Mr. Electricity” — after the legendary performer died at 73.
The National Wrestling Alliance confirmed his passing on Monday, Dec. 8, sharing a heartfelt statement honoring the former NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion.
“The National Wrestling Alliance is saddened to note the passing of former NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion ‘Mr. Electricity’ Steve Regal,” the organization wrote. “Defeating Denny Brown for the title, this flashy and charismatic grappler reigned atop pro wrestling’s junior heavyweight division in 1986, paving a path for generations to come. The NWA extends its most sincere thoughts to Regal’s family, friends and fans during this time.”
An online obituary noted that Regal died on July 30 and described his passing as “profound sadness,” remembering him as someone whose “vibrant spirit touched the lives of many.” No cause of death has been disclosed.
Fans quickly flooded social media with tributes, many recalling Regal’s impact during wrestling’s 1980s boom. “I remember Steve Regal wrestling in both NWA and AWA in the 80s. He will be missed. RIP,” one fan wrote. Another remembered him as a “nice guy” with whom they’d shared “a few good exchanges” online. Someone else pointed to a standout memory: “Him and Jimmy Gavin beating the Road Warriors was one of the craziest things I remember from my earliest days as a fan.”
Regal launched his pro wrestling career in 1977 and quickly became a standout in the American Wrestling Association before capturing the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship in 1986. He retired from the ring a decade later, leaving behind a legacy that fans still cherish.