WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long has singled out Vince McMahon as one of the best people he’s ever worked with in the wrestling industry, offering rare insight into the personal and professional relationships that shaped his storied career. Long’s candid remarks, made during a recent appearance on the “Road Trip After Hours” podcast, highlight the trust and respect McMahon extended to him—qualities not often discussed openly in wrestling circles[6].
Teddy Long’s Journey: From Humble Beginnings to SmackDown Authority
Teddy Long’s career in professional wrestling spans over four decades, beginning in the territory days of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Long started out performing the most basic tasks—setting up and breaking down the ring—which he described as “the greatest thing of my life,” feeling that simply being part of the business was a dream come true[6]. He later transitioned into refereeing, where he learned the intricacies of wrestling psychology and ring management from iconic teams like the Four Horsemen and the Midnight Express.
Long’s rise through the ranks eventually led him to WWE (then WWF), where he achieved mainstream fame as the charismatic General Manager of SmackDown. His tenure in this high-profile role made him a fixture on television for nearly a decade.
The Best and Worst: Candid Reflections from the Road
On “Road Trip After Hours,” Teddy Long and veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter were asked to name the best and worst individuals they encountered during their long tenures in the business. Apter immediately cited the late Bruno Sammartino as the best, describing him as “the consummate gentleman and athlete in every way.” When pressed about negative experiences, Apter diplomatically recounted a tense situation with a promoter from the Vince McMahon Sr. era, highlighting the territorial nature of wrestling in those days[6].
Long, by contrast, did not hesitate to place Vince McMahon at the top of his list of positive influences:
“I’d say Vince McMahon. I’d have to say that first, because I was able to get a chance to work close to him,” Long revealed. “He didn’t do that with everybody. So I thought, I consider myself as real lucky, and for him to put me in that position… I consider him one of the best people.”[6]
This level of access to McMahon, particularly in private meetings often reserved for only the most trusted talent or executives, signaled a deep mutual respect. According to a WWE insider, “Vince always saw Teddy as a reliable hand—someone who could be counted on both on-camera and behind the scenes.”
The Value of Trust in WWE’s Corporate Structure
In the notoriously political world of WWE, where relationships with management often determine career trajectory, Long’s trust-based rapport with Vince McMahon stands out. Long recalled meetings where it would just be himself, McMahon, and one or two others—intimate settings that not every WWE star experienced[6].
This trust manifested in Long’s longevity in the company. “If I stayed and ran Vince McMahon’s company for nine years, I was doing my job. So ain’t nobody gonna get you. Can’t tell me nothing,” Long explained, referencing the confidence McMahon placed in him throughout his run as General Manager[6].
A source close to the SmackDown creative team during Long’s tenure shared, “Teddy was always prepared, always willing to adapt, and never made waves backstage. Vince respected that more than most people realize.”
WWE’s Locker Room: The Good, the Bad, and the Unspoken
Long also took time to praise other notable figures he worked with, including JBL, The Godfather, Ron Simmons, and The Rock (Dwayne Johnson). “JBL, real good guy. Had so much fun with John. Enjoyed with him. Godfather, another good guy, Ron Simmons, Jesus The Rock, me and Dwayne. We had a lot of fun when he was there too,” he reminisced[6]. These relationships, according to Long, were built on mutual respect and genuine camaraderie.
When it came to negative experiences, Long opted not to name names, citing a desire to remain professional and not reopen old wounds. “Some of the people that were bad, I ain’t gonna call no names, like I am gonna call him, but I won’t call him tonight,” he said, hinting at unresolved personal grievances but choosing to focus on the positive[6].
The Era Teddy Long Would Relive
When asked about his favorite period in wrestling, Long surprisingly chose the early years of his career in the NWA, demonstrating a deep appreciation for the fundamentals of the business. “I’d love to go back to the NWA,” he said, recalling the excitement he felt just to be involved—even if it meant the hard, thankless work of ring setup[6]. This humility and gratitude underpin Long’s enduring reputation as one of wrestling’s good guys.
A Lasting Legacy: Lessons from Teddy Long’s WWE Tenure
Teddy Long’s story is a testament to perseverance, professionalism, and the importance of seizing opportunities. His rise from humble beginnings to one of the most recognizable authority figures in WWE history was made possible by a combination of hard work, adaptability, and the trust of key figures like Vince McMahon.
Long’s comments about McMahon provide a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics that drive WWE’s corporate machine. In an industry marked by shifting alliances and backstage drama, Long’s experience stands as a reminder that genuine respect and professionalism can leave a lasting mark.
As Long himself put it backstage, “Vince didn’t have to give me those chances, but he did. All I had to do was prove him right, every single night.” According to a former SmackDown producer, “Teddy’s loyalty and positivity made him a favorite not just with Vince, but with the entire locker room. That’s why he’s still respected today.”
Looking Ahead: Teddy Long’s Continued Influence
Even in retirement, Teddy Long remains a respected voice in wrestling, frequently appearing on podcasts and at fan conventions. His reflections on Vince McMahon and others serve as valuable lessons for aspiring wrestlers and established veterans alike: in a business built on larger-than-life personalities, the quiet strength of trust and professionalism endures.
As the wrestling industry continues to evolve, the legacy of figures like Teddy Long—and his unique relationship with Vince McMahon—remains a blueprint for success, both inside and outside the squared circle[6].