WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long is known for his unflinching honesty and passion for the sport. In a recent sit-down with Mac Davis on Wrestling’s Road Trip After Hours, Long opened up about his experiences with former WWE Superstar Alberto Del Rio, whose personal life has been marred by controversy.
Alberto Del Rio’s Troubling History
Alberto Del Rio, whose real name is Jose Alberto Rodriguez, was a fan favorite in the WWE from 2010 to 2014. Known for his charismatic persona and impressive in-ring skills, Del Rio’s career seemed to be on the rise. However, behind the scenes, a different story was unfolding. Sources close to the WWE have revealed that Del Rio struggled with addiction and personal demons, which often led to conflicts with his colleagues.
Teddy Long’s Backstage Recollections
Teddy Long, who served as a referee and manager in the WWE, has a unique perspective on Del Rio’s time in the company. Long recalled a particular incident where he was approached by Del Rio about a potential feud with another Superstar. According to Long, Del Rio seemed “off” and “preoccupied” during their meeting, which raised red flags.
“I remember having a conversation with Alberto about a potential storyline, and he just seemed…different,” Long said. “He was usually a guy who was full of energy and charisma, but this time, he just seemed distant and preoccupied. I brushed it off at the time, thinking maybe he was just going through a tough spot, but in hindsight, it’s clear that there were bigger issues at play.”
The Arrest and Allegations
Last week, Alberto Del Rio was reportedly arrested in connection with a domestic violence incident. The news has sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling community, with many former colleagues and friends expressing their disappointment and concern for Del Rio’s well-being. Long, who has been vocal about his support for Del Rio in the past, is now grappling with the reality of his former friend’s actions.
“I’m trying to reconcile the Alberto Del Rio I knew backstage with the person at the center of these allegations,” Long said. “It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that someone I considered a friend could be capable of such behavior. I’m not sure what to say or do, but I do know that we need to support Del Rio in getting the help he needs.”
A Call to Action
As the WWE community grapples with the fallout from Del Rio’s arrest, many are calling for greater support and resources for wrestlers struggling with addiction and personal issues. Long, who has been an advocate for wrestler well-being, believes that this incident serves as a wake-up call for the industry.
“We need to do a better job of supporting our wrestlers, both in and out of the ring,” Long said. “We need to create a culture that encourages openness and vulnerability, rather than silence and stigma. It’s time for us to come together and say, ‘We care about our wrestlers, and we’re here to support them, no matter what.'”
Conclusion
The recent allegations against Alberto Del Rio serve as a stark reminder of the darker side of the wrestling industry. While Del Rio’s personal struggles are a sobering reminder of the challenges many wrestlers face, they also highlight the need for greater support and resources. As the WWE community comes to terms with this difficult reality, one thing is clear: we must do better to support our wrestlers, both in and out of the ring.
“We’re all human beings, and we all struggle with our own demons,” Long said. “But with the right support and resources, we can overcome anything. Let’s come together and show Del Rio, and all our wrestlers, that we care.”