Board Thread:Character Discussion/@comment-5279400-20180106161800/@comment-31937823-20180107014553

Pallid wrote: TheRose123 wrote: If she never became the BF, the whole show never would have happened. She and her husband would’ve raised Rumple, but at some point she murders him (as he would have remained the Savior regardless unless she used the Shears of Destiny). But, the curse never would have been created, so Regina would have suffered until her death, while Snow and Charming’s kingdom prospered. If Rumple didn't teach Cora, she'd probably have died and Regina wouldn't be born.

Or Zoso (still the Dark One as Rumple didn’t kill him) would be lured into the idea of making a deal, and would have fulfilled Rumple’s role.