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Tag: Theodore Long

  • Teddy Long on the Origins of ‘Going One-on-One With The Undertaker’

    Teddy Long on the Origins of ‘Going One-on-One With The Undertaker’

    In 2004, Theodore R. Long, who had previously worked as a manager and referee, was appointed the General Manager of SmackDown.

    Long would become arguably the most iconic GM of the Blue brand thanks to his lengthy tenure on the show, and his various catchphrases and character quirks.

    The WWE Hall of Famer could often be seen dancing to his own entrance theme, and never shied away from booking tag-team matches.

    Going One on One…

    For Long’s entire run as SmackDown’s General Manager, The Undertaker was a constant presence on the show, and ‘Teddy’ would often book ‘the Phenom’ in high-profile matches.

    Many Superstars would be filled with dread when hearing the news from Long that they “will go one on one, with The Undertaker!”

    Speaking to the MuscleManMalcolm YouTube channel, Long explained how a conversation with Vince McMahon inspired him to put some impact into announcing The Undertaker.

    “This is really the truth. One time I was sitting down and we was talking to Vince. Vince wasn’t really talking to me. He was talking to somebody else and they went on and they introduced somebody. Vince stopped him and he said ‘No, you have to make my stars mean something when you introduce him.’ I heard that and that’s all I did. The Undertaker and Vince liked it. So that came from me.”

    In 2009, Long found himself on the receiving end of The Undertaker’s wrath, after costing him the World Heavyweight Championship.

    After making it to his car, a concerned Long would be accosted by The Undertaker who drove off with the SmackDown GM.

  • Mick Foley Blogs On Teddy Long’s WWE Release, Long Run With The Company

    The following is the latest Mick Foley Facebook blog:

    A LONG RUN FOR TEDDY

    Thank you Teddy Long. Thank you for being so good, for so long, at so many things. I’ve known Teddy for 25 years. He was a very good referree, and an even better heel referee before I arrived in WCW in 1989. He was an excellent heel manager….and a pretty good babyface manager too – no easy feat in the world of sports-entertainment. I enjoyed his color commentary, and was inpired by his motivational speaking and charitable work.

    Thank you WWE for the long run you gave Teddy – as a referree, and long-running GM of Smackdown. I know all good things must eventually come to an end, and Teddy Long’s run in WWE was a very good thing. I hope he’ll be brought back for Wrestlemanias and will lend his expertise to some projects with the company dpwn the road. A good man, a consumate professional, a friend.

    Let me know about your favorite Teddy Long memory…without using the phrase “tag-team match”…just kidding; that would be almost impossible. But let’s see if some of you more seasoned fans can dig deep and hit us with a blast from Teddy’s long and distinguished career.

  • Huge *SPOILERS* For This Monday’s RAW + MAJOR CHANGE To MITB Lineup! [Details >>]

  • Tatsu Comments On WWE Release, WWE Adds Released Stars To Alumni Section

    WWE has added Brodus Clay, Drew McIntyre, Evan Bourne, Aksana, Curt Hawkins, Jinder Mahal, Yoshi Tatsu, Theodore Long, JTG and Camacho to their “Alumni” section of WWE.com today following their release from the company.

    Speaking of today’s releases, Yoshi Tatsu commented on his official Twitter account about his release from WWE today. Tatsu tweeted the following:

  • MORE WWE Superstars & Divas To Get FIRED Today — DETAILS HERE!

  • Backstage News On WWE Releasing 11 People

    Some details have come to light on today’s WWE releases, which included Brodus Clay, Drew McIntyre, Evan Bourne, Aksana, Curt Hawkins, Jinder Mahal, Yoshi Tatsu, Theodore Long, JTG, Camacho and referee Marc Harris.

    Word is that Mark Carrano, who has been featured on Total Divas and works in Talent Relations under Triple H, is the person who made not, if not all, of the WWE releases today by phone. There is a lot of talk among people in WWE that the cuts are not done and that there will be more releases on the administrative side of the company as well, possibly as soon as tomorrow. It’s said that the success, or lack thereof, of the WWE Network is what is causing the talent cuts and the potential office cuts.

    Regarding Tatsu’s release, it’s being said that there’s been a feeling for some time within the company that he had really regressed in the ring.

    As far as Clay is concerned, there are reports that claim he “fell out of favor” with WWE creative.

    Brodus Clay Headed To Japan To Protest Dolphin Hunting

    In terms of the Teddy Long release, his contract actually expired, and it was well known within WWE that he would be leaving the company as an active performer soon.

    Yoshi Tatsu Comments On His WWE Release

    Out of all of the releases, the general consensus within those actually in WWE is that Camacho and Hawkins were the two most surprising releases, as Camacho was very popular within NXT circles and Hawkins still had several years remaining on his existing deal.

    Curt Hawkins Calls Mark Henry An Idiot For Tweeting That He’s “Still Here”

  • Update: JTG Officially Released From WWE

    We reported earlier today that WWE released ten different talents from the active roster. Those names included Drew McIntyre, Jinder Mahal, Aksana, Curt Hawkins, Theodore Long, Camacho, Brodus Clay, Evan Bourne, Yoshi Tatsu and referee Marc Harris.

    The official WWE website has updated their list, with JTG being the latest to get the “best wishes in his future endeavors.”

    In response to being released, JTG tweeted:

  • Cody & Dusty Rhodes Continue Their “Duel” With JBL, Drew McIntyre Working Singles Matches, More

    – In this week’s edition of The JBL & Cole Show, Cody Rhodes and WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes continuing their “Duel” storyline with John “Bradshaw” Layfield, the Prime Time Players re-enacting a scene from The Notebook, and Theodore Long and his grandson appear.

    – 3MB member Drew McIntyre will be competing in singles matches during this weekend’s live event tour. He wrote on Twitter, “Reminder.Flying solo, Bismarck got a rapid reminder that Drew McIntyre is the most aggressive man in sports entertainment. Fargo you’re next.”

    – Dustin Runnels, formerly known as Goldust, will appear at the Frank & Son Collectible Show 19649 San Jose Ave. City of Industry, California, this Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Call 714-496-4578 for more information.

  • “Backstage Fallout” For This Week’s SmackDown, Sin Cara Joins Twitter, How Old Is Scott Hall?

    – This week’s SmackDown edition of “Backstage Fallout” has 3MB sounding off. Plus, Antonio Cesaro responds to his latest win over an American challenger, Ted DiBiase. Theodore Long also addresses an iPad Eve left behind, which is suggested to feature classified information.

    – The official Twitter feed of WWE announced Friday that Sin Cara is on the micro-blogging website at twitter.com/TheSinCaraWWE. WWE also released a Tout video of the masked grappler holding a piece of paper featuring the URL. He has had the account since September, but it was not confirmed until now.

    – One of the most controversial wrestlers of all-time, Scott Hall, turns 54-years-old Saturday.

  • Main Event Announced For Tonight’s Raw, Lilian Garcia Gives Back

    – Interim Raw General Manager Theodore Long has announced via WWE.com a tag team match pitting Money in the Bank opponents for tonight’s Raw SuperShow as WWE Champion CM Punk and John Cena will face Chris Jericho and Daniel Bryan.

    – SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia went to Akron, Ohio, to visit kids with cancer and help the Akron Children’s Hospital raise money at the 10th Annual LOPen Charity Golf and Music Event, where she sang the National Anthem and even hit the links at the LOPen Celebrity Golf Tournament Outing. (Article)

    – The June 29, 2012 episode of WWE Vintage Collection featured the following matches and segments: Fit Finlay vs. Psychosis (WCW Thunder – June 4, 1998), Lord Steven Regal and Bobby Eaton become tag team partners (WCW Saturday Night – March 18, 1995), The Blue Bloods go to a Restaurant (WCW Saturday Night – March 25, 1995), The Blue Bloods vs. The Nasty Boys (WCW Great American Bash – June 18, 1995), The British Bulldogs vs. Nikolai Volkoff and Iron Sheik (WWF Prime Time Wrestling – November 5, 1985), Chris Adams vs. Dave Taylor (WCW Saturday Night – January 17, 1998), Lord Steven Regal vs. Davey Boy Smith (WCW Halloween Havoc – October 24, 1993). (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

  • Santino Marella’s ‘Mania Hangover, The Great Khali In French Film

    — After falling in defeat to Team Johnny at WrestleMania XXVIII, Team Teddy captain Santino Marella and Theodore Long try to figure out what went wrong in this “WrestleMania hangover” edition of Foreign Exchange.

    [vsw id=”wQv0CCPmJTI” source=”youtube” width=”590″ height=”330″ autoplay=”no”]

    — The Great Khali appears in the upcoming French film Sur la piste du Marsupilami. The movie poster, which features the WWE Superstar, can be seen here.

    — South Florida Sun-Sentinel has published an article on WrestleMania XXVIII. A columnist for the newspaper details his live experience at Sunday’s event at Sun Life Stadium.

  • Foley Teases Return To Television, Garcia Teasing Continues

    — Mick Foley, who has not appeared on WWE programming since the Royal Rumble, teased a return to company storylines Sunday night via Twitter as he said he received voice-mails from SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long.

    “Guess it’s about time I listen to some of these voice-mails from Teddy Long. Wonder what he wants. Catch you all tomorrow,” he wrote. However, he suggested minutes later it was a joke, writing, “No big deal. Teddy was just hoping I had Buff Bagwell’s number – apparently, it’s pretty important.”

    Foley is scheduled for an upcoming WWE show as he will appear at the April 9 Raw SuperShow taking place at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C.

    — WWE ring announcer Tony Chimel took a jab at Lilian Garcia at Saturday’s SmackDown live event in Bowling Green, Kentucky as during a mic check he announced “1, 2, Long Island Iced Z, Jack Swagger!” This was in reference to Garcia’s mistake at Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Newark, New Jersey where she introduced Ryder as “Long Island Iced Z, Jack Swagger.” John Cena ridiculed Garcia’s ring announcing ability after the taping had concluded, proclaiming to the live audience, “She looks absolutely beautiful, but doesn’t know what the hell she’s doing!”

  • Two New Additions To Team Teddy For WrestleMania XXVIII

    Following Zack Ryder’s rally prior to Monday’s Raw SuperShow in which he lobbied to become part of Team Teddy at WrestleMania XXVIII, Long Island Iced Z informed SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long that if he was accepted onto the team, The Great Khali would join as well. Long agreed, with Hornswoggle named the team’s mascot.

    The updated card for the pay-per-view event taking place April 1 in Miami, Florida is as follows:

    * The Rock vs. John Cena

    * The Undertaker vs. Triple H (Hell in a Cell Match with Shawn Michaels as the special referee)

    * Team Teddy vs. Team Johnny (Kofi Kingston, R-Truth, Santino Marella, The Great Khali, Zack Ryder and TBA vs. Christian, David Otunga, Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Mark Henry and TBA)

    * WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho

    * World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus

    * Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Big Show

    * Randy Orton vs. Kane

    * Kelly Kelly and Maria Menounos vs. Divas Champion Beth Phoenix and Eve

  • Latest Z! True Long Island Story, JR On Punk-Jericho & More

    WrestlingFigs.com reports former WWE Superstar Virgil appears today through Sunday at WonderCon 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center 800 West Katella Ave. Anaheim, California.

    – WWE.com has published a photo gallery highlighting masked wrestlers from throughout history. Besides Sin Cara and Rey Mysterio, those featured include Avatar, Battle Kat, CM Punk, Dos Caras, El Santo, Golga, Great Sasuke, Jushin Liger, Kim Chee, La Parka, Max Moon, Mil Mascaras, Mr. America, Mr. Wrestling II, Psicosis, The Destroyer, The Patriot, Tiger Mask and Ultimo Dragon.

    – Jim Ross was asked on Twitter if the feud between CM Punk and Chris Jericho feud is getting personal following Jericho’s harsh words on Monday’s Raw SuperShow. He responded“That’s what sells.”

    — WWE has posted the fifty-eighth episode of Z! True Long Island Story starring Zack Ryder. Dolph Ziggler appears and comments on not having a match at WrestleMania XXVIII. Meanwhile, Ryder urges his Twitter followers to write to SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long about being on his team at WrestleMania XXVIII. He also reveals being stood up by Eve on Monday night.

  • Match Announced For Raw, WWE Diva Not On Facebook, Punk

    — With SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long taking control of Monday’s Raw Supershow, he announced on Friday’s SmackDown that David Otunga will face The Great Khali in a singles match.

    — A.J. confirmed via Twitter that she does not have a Facebook account—there are dozens of pages portraying the WWE Diva.

    “I do not have a Facebook. If you think you’re talking to me on FB, you’re just talking to a 40 year old man who wears women’s underwear,” she wrote.

    — WWE is still filming content for their upcoming CM Punk video release. The title is scheduled for release in the fall.

    — Sheamus will appear at Big W Bankstown in Bankstown, Australia on Saturday, March 17 at 3:00 p.m.

  • Kane To Face Aksana On SmackDown?, WWE Files Trademark

    — Raw Interim General Manager and WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis teased at the conclusion of Friday’s SmackDown that Kane would face Aksana, SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long’s assistant, in a match on next week’s show. WWE’s Board of Directors announced Tuesday that Laurinaitis will be in charge of SmackDown next week, while Long will control Raw SuperShow.

    — WWE is attempting to file a trademark for the term Kayfabe. It is for merchandise use as the organization released a line of T-shirts last week labeled Kayfabe Tees.

    — SmackDown Superstar Justin Gabriel turns 31 years old Saturday.

    — Rey Mysterio appears at Chicago World of Wheels at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center 9301 W Bryn Mawr Ave. Rosemont, Illinois on Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • Where Laurinaitis/Long Feud Is Headed, Otunga Against Bullying

    — WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and Interim General Manager of Raw John Laurinaitis’s campaign to not only become the permanent Raw General Manager, but take over Theodore Long’s job as General Manager of SmackDown is expected to culminate with a winner takes all match at WrestleMania XXVIII in Miami, Florida.

    The Wrestling Observer reports that a Laurinaitis captained team of heel WWE stars will likely face a babyface team captained by Long at the pay-per-view extravaganza with the winning captain becoming General Manager of both Raw and SmackDown. There is also talk that the bout would replace the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

    — On behalf of ‘be a STAR,’ the anti-bullying alliance co-founded by WWE and The Creative Coalition, David Otunga paid a visit to German Valley Elementary outside Rockford, Illinois today to speak with students about the dangers of bullying.

    A photo of Otunga’s appearance is available here.

  • Natalya’s Farting Gimmick To Continue, Cena Hits Milestone

    – An angle took place on Friday’s SmackDown in which it was suggested that Natalya had accidentally farted during a backstage confrontation with Aksana and SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long.

    For those who were turned off by the talented diva being featured in a bathroom-humor segment, get ready for more – as WWE will be continuing the “Natalya farting” gimmick in the coming weeks.

    – John Cena hit a milestone on Monday by netting 10 million fans on Facebook, becoming the first WWE Superstar to do so. He has since accumulated over 108,000 additional fans.

    – In a trivia note, The Miz’s television record since losing the WWE Championship to John Cena in a Triple Threat Steel Cage Match at Extreme Rules on May 1, 2011 is 15-32.

    – Nigel McGuinness is working on a documentary about the end of his wrestling career. He also appears in a commissioner role for a West Virginia independent wrestling organization.

    (source: F4WOnline.com)

  • Matches Announced For SmackDown, WWE Star Changes Brands

    — Next Friday on the first SmackDown of 2012, World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan will put his title on the line against Big Show and Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes will defend his coveted gold against Booker T.

    — Following an unsuccessful stint on Raw, Drew McIntyre returned to Smackdown on Friday’s show. His resolve and worth was called into question by Teddy Long in a backstage segment as the General Manager matched him up against Ezekiel Jackson. If McIntyre couldn’t win, Long said he’d have to start thinking about letting him go. While McIntyre argued with the referee about having his feet on the second rope during an attempted pinfall, Jackson swooped in and grabbed him by the tights to roll him up for the win.

    After the match, McIntyre demanded that Long not count the match as a loss, claiming the referee was biased. Long would retort that he disliked losers, but especially ones who make excuses.

    — Shelly Martinez posted a video fulfilling Dolph Ziggler’s request to the “Blue Meanie Dance.”

    — WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel handled ring announcing duties at this week’s Raw live events.

  • Main Event For Next Week’s Live SmackDown, TLC Title Match

    Daniel Bryan triumphed in a Fatal 4-Way World Heavyweight Title No. 1 Contender’s Match on SmackDown to earn a shot against Mark Henry in a Steel Cage on next Tuesday’s live holiday episode.

    During the opening segment of the show, Bryan emerged to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase and pin Henry, who had been knocked out cold by Big Show. However, SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long informed him that because The World Strongest Man was injured and not “medically cleared” to compete, the pin was invalid.

    The winner of this Tuesday’s World Heavyweight Championship Steel Cage Match will defend the strap against Big Show at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, which takes place December 18, 2011 at the 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.

  • Former WWE Star’s Son Joins FCW, SD Battle Royal Competitors

    — The official website of Florida Championship Wrestling has added Jake Carter to their roster page. He is Jesse White, son of former WWE star Vader. He signed a developmental contract with WWE in April following a tryout at the organization’s developmental facility in Tampa, Florida.

    White, 25, originally committed to the University of Oklahoma and was touted for the National Football League, but retired following a hip injury. He then followed his dad’s footsteps to the world of professional wrestling.

    — Theodore Long kicked off Friday’s SmackDown by announcing that the first match of the night would feature 41 Superstars in the largest Battle Royal in WWE history. Interim Raw General Manager John Laurinaitis then revealed the winner would earn a title match against the champion of his choosing.

    Randy Orton won the 41-Man No. 1 Contender’s Battle Royal, last eliminating The Miz. Battle Royal elimination order is as follows: 1. Cody Rhodes, 2. Johnny Curtis, 3. JTG, 4. Michael McGillicutty, 5. Derrick Bateman, 6. Yoshi Tatsu, 7. Titus O’Neil, 8. Matt Striker, 9. William Regal, 10. Percy Watson, 11. John Morrison, 12. Dolph Ziggler, 13. Trent Barreta, 14. Jey Uso, 15. Ted DiBiase, 16. Tyson Kidd, 17. Daniel Bryan, 18. Tyler Reks, 19. Curt Hawkins, 20. Drew McIntrye, 21. Justin Gabriel, 22. Mason Ryan, 23. Primo, 24. Santino Marella, 25. Alex Riley, 26. Kofi Kingston, 27. Zack Ryder, 28. David Otunga, 29. Jimmy Uso, 30. Ezekiel Jackson, 31. Heath Slater, 32. Sin Cara (Negro), 33. Christian, 34. R-Truth , 35. CM Punk, 36. Sheamus, 37. Wade Barrett, 38. Jack Swagger, 39. Jinder Mahal, 40. The Miz.

  • First Raw Of 2012 Announced, Lawler Wrestles At House Show

    — WWE announced at last night’s Raw live event at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee that Monday Night Raw will be held at the venue on January 2, 2012.

    — Jerry Lawler beat Jack Swagger in a singles match at Saturday’s Raw live event in Memphis, Tennessee. The former World Heavyweight Champion succumbed to Lawler following the Crown Drop.

    — WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race appeared at Saturday’s SmackDown live event in Cape Girandeau, Missouri and introduced Ted DiBiase, who trained nearby at his school. The SmackDown Superstar said that thanks to Harley, he is living his dream.

    He then lost to Sin Cara.

    — In an exclusive interview with WWE.com, Christian discusses Edge’s actions at SummerSlam, the decisions being made by SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long and WWE Chief Operating Officer Triple H, and why he feels he will have a huge advantage entering a steel cage with Randy Orton this Tuesday on SuperSmackDown.

  • Title Match Announced For SD, Former Diva Attends House Show

    — With General Manager Theodore Long unable to attend tonight’s SmackDown due to unforeseen circumstances, COO Triple H called on WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart to serve as the Special Guest General Manager. Christian, however, showed up with a court order stating that no Superstar would get a World Title match until he was granted his rematch – including the new No. 1 contender Mark Henry. The Excellence of Execution then announced that Christian will face World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton in a Steel Cage Match for the World Heavyweight Title on this Tuesday’s live SuperSmackDown in Wichita, Kansas.

    — Former WWE Diva Lauren Jones, who sporadically appeared for SmackDown in 2004 and 2005, was invited to tonight’s Raw live event at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson, Mississippi. A native of Jackson, she watched the show from the front row and went backstage afterwards.

    Jones mutually parted ways with WWE in June 2005 because company officials pushed her to become a wrestler when she wanted to pursue other opportunities. WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis, who brought Jones to the organization in 2004 after she appeared as a model for a WWE Magazine photo shoot, has since made overtures to the entrepreneur/entertainment personality about returning to the organization. She garnered mainstream attention earlier this month as Hollywood starlets Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Aniston and Charlize Theron were all photographed wearing a high-heel shoe she had designed, the Lauren Jones ‘Franci’ Sandal.

  • Match Announced For SummerSlam, Diva Debuts On SmackDown

    — WWE.com has announced that Sheamus will battle Mark Henry at SummerSlam.

    The synopsis reads: “Announced exclusively on WWE.com, Mark Henry and Sheamus will collide at SummerSlam in a rivalry that has quickly grown more intense than the summer sun itself. Will the fight of The Celtic Warrior be enough to defeat the meanest “Fella” in the land?”

    — WWE developmental talent Aksana debuted on tonight’s episode of SmackDown in a backstage segment with Theodore Long.

    Catsuit clad and with dark hair, the NXT Season 3 contestant tried to seduce the SmackDown General Manager into giving her his phone number. Long gave Aksana his card and wrote his personal number on the back. She said, “I can’t wait to do business with you.”

    — CM Punk is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Power Slam.

  • Three Title Changes Take Place At WWE Extreme Rules

    John Cena is a 10-time World Champion after defeating The Miz and John Morrison in a Steel Cage Match tonight at Extreme Rules.

    The match concluded with The Miz teased the Skullcrushing Finale, which was countered by Cena using an Attitude Adjustment from the top rope. Cena made the cover to become the new WWE champion.

    Earlier in the evening, Christian beat Alberto Del Rio in a Ladder Match to capture his first-ever World Heavyweight Championship.

    The 21-minute contest concluded following interference from Edge, who made an unadvertised appearance to distract Del Rio. Christian proceeded to scale a ladder to capture his first major title in WWE.

    Also changing hands was the United States Championship. SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long scheduled an impromptu Tables Match between Kofi Kingston and United States Champion Sheamus, which resulted in the high-flyer smashing The Celtic Warrior through the hardwood to capture the title for a second time.

  • Reason For McCool Missing UK Tour, WWE Star Discussed For HOF

    — Divas Champion Michelle McCool was given off from WWE’s ongoing tour of Europe to tend to The Undertaker after undergoing rotator cuff surgery this past week.

    — There has been much talk amongst WWE officials in recent weeks to induct Theodore Long into next year’s Hall of Fame class since it’s taking place in his home city of Atlanta, Georgia. Matt Striker is often mentioning the SmackDown General Manager over commentary in conjunction with it.

    — There has been a change in WWE’s creative process as it’s said that they “want to push the envelope” on company programming. It is also said that they want the commentators making more inside jokes.

    source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter