10 Times WWE Were OBSESSED With Pointless Power
5. Alliance Commissioner William Regal
On the October 8th 2001 Raw, WWE Commissioner William Regal swerve-turned on Kurt Angle at the climax of his WWE Championship clash with Stone Cold Steve Austin, costing the Olympian - and, theoretically, his own company - the industry's top prize.
It was a ruse. Regal had defected to The Alliance for no kayfabe reason other than the real one - they were the heels and his position as comedic Authority Figure only really had legs if he donned the black hat. Between that point and the night following Survivor Series where he famously planted a kiss on McMahon's a*se cheek, Regal's position was rendered futile.
For all of the WCW/ECW Invasion's failings, the one story it actually stuck to was the absolute power of the McMahons throughout. Vince McMahon was the out-front leader of his troops, whilst Shane and Stephanie looked after their own respective armies. Even original ECW gaffer Paul Heyman was little more than a cheerleader for the group at the commentary table - what chance did William Regal have of being one of the few that mattered on the heel side?
It wasn't that fruitful on the other side, either...