WWE fans are still reeling from the news of Alberto Del Rio’s recent arrest, and one person who is struggling to come to terms with the situation is a WWE Hall of Famer who knew Del Rio during his time in the company. Teddy Long, a veteran of the WWE locker room, opened up to Mac Davis on Wrestling’s Road Trip After Hours about his personal experiences with Del Rio backstage.
A Complex Figure
For those who may not be familiar, Alberto Del Rio, whose real name is José Alberto Rodríguez, was a key player in the WWE’s Latino American talent pool during his time with the company. A two-time World Heavyweight Champion, Del Rio was known for his charisma and in-ring ability, but also for his tumultuous relationship with fans and fellow performers.
According to Long, Del Rio’s complex personality was on full display backstage, where he was often at odds with his fellow wrestlers. “Alberto was a talented guy, no question about it,” Long said. “But he was also a very complicated individual. He was a bit of a loner, and he had a hard time connecting with people.”
This reputation for being difficult to get along with was not just limited to the locker room, however. Long also recalled instances where Del Rio would clash with WWE management, often over issues related to his character development and booking.
The Reality Behind the Character
One of the most striking aspects of Del Rio’s career was his portrayal of a wealthy, arrogant character who often clashed with the likes of John Cena and The Rock. But according to Long, this character was not always reflective of the real Del Rio, who was a humble and hardworking individual.
“He was a very humble guy, and he was always willing to put in the extra work to get better,” Long said. “But when it came to the character, he was a bit of a wild card. He would often try to take it too far, and it would backfire on him.”
This dichotomy between Del Rio’s in-ring persona and his real-life personality is a common thread throughout his WWE career, and it’s a dynamic that Long believes contributed to his eventual departure from the company.
The Aftermath of the Arrest
Del Rio’s recent arrest has sent shockwaves throughout the WWE community, with many fans and fellow performers expressing their disappointment and sadness over the news. According to Long, the reaction within the locker room has been mixed, with some people expressing their support for Del Rio and others condemning his actions.
“It’s a tough situation, because on one hand, you feel bad for the guy,” Long said. “But on the other hand, you can’t condone what he did. It’s a complex issue, and I think it’s going to take some time for everyone to process it.”
As for Del Rio’s future in the WWE, Long believes that the company will need to take a hard look at its handling of the situation. “The WWE has a responsibility to its fans and its performers to create a safe and respectful environment,” Long said. “If that means taking action against someone who has been involved in questionable behavior, then so be it.”
In a statement to the media, a WWE representative confirmed that the company is taking the allegations against Del Rio seriously and is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
A WWE Insider Weighs In
According to a WWE insider, the company has been taking steps to ensure that its locker room remains a safe and respectful environment, even in the face of adversity. “The WWE has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to misconduct, and we will take swift action against anyone who is found to be involved in questionable behavior,” the insider said.
While the situation with Del Rio is certainly a complex one, it’s clear that the WWE is committed to doing what’s right. As for Long, he’s just trying to make sense of it all. “It’s a tough pill to swallow, because I knew Alberto as a person, and I liked him,” Long said. “But at the end of the day, you have to do what’s right, and that’s something that the WWE needs to do in this situation.”
The WWE has a long history of dealing with difficult situations, and it’s clear that they are taking the allegations against Del Rio very seriously. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the WWE will need to take a hard look at its handling of the situation and ensure that its locker room remains a safe and respectful environment for all performers.
A Message from Teddy Long
In the end, it’s up to the WWE to decide how to move forward with Del Rio, but one thing is certain: the situation has left a lasting impact on Long. “I just hope that people can see the real Alberto Del Rio, and not just the character he portrayed on TV,” Long said. “He was a complex guy, and he deserved better than what he got.”