As a talk show host based out of WWE’s “home field” in New York City from the mid-1980s until his retirement in 2011, Regis Philbin had frequent interactions with wrestlers on Live! With Regis & Kathie Lee and Live! With Regis & Kelly.
The Notre Dame graduate and Navy vet never poked fun at pro wrestling, and genuinely seemed to enjoy playing along. That’s probably because he was said to be a fan of the business - and a big Classy Freddie Blassie fan.
It’s also probably why WWE enlisted his services on several occasions, most famously as the co-host of WrestleMania VII, where he also provided guest commentary on the Hulk Hogan/Sgt. Slaughter main event.
Philbin died last week (July 24) at the age of 88. Over the weekend, WWE and many of the wrestlers who had the pleasure of working with “Reeg” shared memories and said their goodbyes to the beloved personality.
WWE is saddened to learn that legendary entertainment figure Regis Philbin has passed away. We extend our condolences to his family, friends and fans. https://t.co/MuNtuOT6oq
— WWE (@WWE) July 25, 2020
#Regis was the only show I was always excited to do. Regis was a real pro and I could always count on him sneak attacking me every time I was a guest on the show,RIP my brother Love you HH pic.twitter.com/E5IajiV3KU
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) July 26, 2020
#regisphilben was great, knew how to work and sold it!!! RIP https://t.co/gRsm4RmglR
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) July 26, 2020
I will always remember how much respect Regis Philbin showed to the wrestling world. I grew up watching Regis and Kathy Lee because that was my mom’s favorite show. Rest peacefully, Regis❤️ pic.twitter.com/nhRyK1E8as
— NattieByNature (@NatbyNature) July 25, 2020
Always a good sport ❤️ https://t.co/x5lXcPxFOn
— NattieByNature (@NatbyNature) July 25, 2020
Here’s the doll my made made by hand for Regis Philbin. Regis wrote to my mom: “Dear Ellie, of course, I remember meeting all the Anvils. It was a great day and am still a fan of Jim’s. Love it when he laughs so evil. Thanks for my doll. You’re a doll for making it. -Regis ❤️ pic.twitter.com/l4mBSMnYwk
— NattieByNature (@NatbyNature) July 25, 2020
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of the great Regis Philbin.
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) July 26, 2020
Watching this clip of me and Regis in 2001 reminded me of what a gracious and kind man he was - every bit as nice when the cameras were not on. https://t.co/ma4wvhG8kD
You will be missed, Regis. #RIPRegis pic.twitter.com/bfs3YqB9ka
Rest easy, Regis. ♥️
— Renee Young (@ReneeYoungWWE) July 25, 2020
My heart is broken. RIP Regis. You were one of the reasons I wanted to be on television. Your legacy will live on forever. ❤️
— Kayla Braxton (@KaylaBraxtonWWE) July 25, 2020
RIP Regis Philbin. A gentleman that was the epitome of an entertainer. A national treasure. He always treated guests from the Pro Wrestling industry with dignity and class. Godspeed sir. pic.twitter.com/RtdWSYpLqg
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) July 25, 2020
Regis Philbin was friends with Freddie Blassie ever since he had him on his radio show.
— RJ City (@RJCity1) July 25, 2020
1. Freddie giving Regis the “World’s Brass Knucks Championship” on the Joey Bishop Show.
2. Regis, his daughter, Freddie & Moms Mabley. pic.twitter.com/mz1A8F1zjx