The 2022 edition of WrestleMania was one for the books, with the historic event taking place over two nights in Las Vegas for the first time in WWE history. While the split format allowed for an unprecedented level of depth and variety, not everyone is convinced that it was the right move. In a recent episode of Road Trip After Hours with Mac Davis, WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long weighed in on the decision, suggesting that he would have opted for a single-night event.
A Different Approach to the Biggest Show of the Year
Long has spent decades working behind the scenes in professional wrestling, and his insight into the inner workings of the industry is unparalleled. According to him, the decision to split WrestleMania into two nights was likely driven by a desire to maximize revenue and capitalize on the massive audience that the event attracts.
“I understand the thinking behind it, but I’m not sure it was the right call,” Long said during the episode. “I think a one-night event would have been better. You get people all hyped up for the main event, and suddenly you’re cutting it off and asking them to come back the next day? I just don’t think that’s sustainable, especially when you’re dealing with a global audience.”
The Retirement Tease That Stung
One of the most talked-about moments of WrestleMania 42 was Brock Lesnar’s surprise return, which ultimately culminated in a thrilling match against Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. However, what many fans didn’t see coming was the retirement tease that followed, which left the wrestling world reeling.
Lesnar’s post-match speech, in which he seemingly announced his retirement from the sport, sparked a heated debate among fans and pundits alike. While some hailed it as a masterstroke of storytelling, others felt that it was a cynical ploy to generate buzz and sell merchandise.
“I love Brock’s work, but that retirement angle just didn’t feel right to me,” Long said candidly. “It felt like they were trying to milk it for all it was worth, but at the end of the day, it’s just not that believable. I mean, Brock’s been retired before, and he’s been back before. At what point do you just stop?”
Creative Concerns Under TKO Leadership
In recent months, there have been whispers of discontent within WWE’s creative team, with some sources suggesting that the TKO regime has led to a stifling of innovation and a focus on short-term gains over long-term storytelling.
While Long stopped short of making any overt criticisms of the current leadership, he did express his concern about the direction in which the company is heading.
“I think WWE’s getting a little too focused on the bottom line,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, money’s important, but at the end of the day, it’s the product that matters. You can have all the money in the world, but if the wrestling’s not there, nobody cares. I think that’s what’s missing right now – that genuine passion and love for the sport.”
A Glimmer of Hope Behind the Scenes
Despite the creative concerns and behind-the-scenes drama, there are those who believe that WWE is on the cusp of a major resurgence. According to a WWE insider, the company is actively seeking to revitalize its focus on storytelling and character development.
“From what I’ve heard, the TKO regime is actually working on some pretty big changes behind the scenes,” the source revealed. “They’re looking to shake things up and bring in some fresh talent, both in front of and behind the camera. It’s going to be interesting to see how it all plays out, but I’m optimistic that WWE can get back to its roots and start producing some truly memorable content.”
The Verdict: Can WWE Get Back on Track?
As WrestleMania 42 serves as a reminder, the world of professional wrestling is constantly evolving, and WWE is no exception. With the TKO regime at the helm and a talented roster of superstars, the possibilities for growth and innovation are endless.
However, as Teddy Long’s candid comments illustrate, there are still concerns about the direction in which the company is heading. Can WWE get back on track and recapture the magic that made it the global phenomenon it is today? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the wrestling world will be watching with bated breath as the story continues to unfold.