In a riveting shoot interview that promises to be a must-watch for wrestling aficionados, ECW legend Shane "The Franchise" Douglas sits down with the charismatic Teddy Long. The conversation covers Long's illustrious career, tracing his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling. The interview not only delves into Long's start in the business but also explores the various roles he has played, from referee to manager to General Manager, along with his significant impact on the wrestling world.
Teddy Long, born Theodore Rufus Long on September 15, 1947, in Birmingham, Alabama, began his career in professional wrestling in the early 1980s. His first foray into the wrestling world was as a member of the ring crew for Georgia Championship Wrestling. Long’s work ethic and dedication soon caught the attention of wrestling promoters, and he transitioned into a role as a referee.
Long's sharp eye for detail and fair judgment made him a respected referee. He quickly became a regular official for Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP), which later became World Championship Wrestling (WCW). During his tenure as a referee, Long was involved in some memorable matches, and his popularity began to grow.
In 1989, Long made a significant career shift from refereeing to managing. As a heel manager, he led several prominent wrestlers, including the likes of Doom (Butch Reed and Ron Simmons) and The Skyscrapers (Sid Vicious and Dan Spivey). Long's charismatic promos and managerial skills helped elevate the careers of the wrestlers he managed, making him a central figure in WCW.
World Wrestling Federation (WWF/WWE): Long joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1998. Initially, he continued his managerial role, leading teams such as D'Lo Brown and Rodney Mack. His managerial prowess and unique style made him a standout character in the WWF.
In 2004, Long achieved a significant milestone in his career by becoming the General Manager of SmackDown, making history as the first African-American to hold the position. His tenure as GM was marked by memorable storylines, catchphrases like "Holla, holla, holla!", and his famous tag team match announcements. Long's ability to engage the audience and his fair, yet entertaining, management style made him one of the most beloved figures in WWE.
Long’s contributions to wrestling extend beyond his on-screen roles. He has been a mentor to many up-and-coming wrestlers and remains a respected figure in the industry. In 2017, Long’s legacy was cemented when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades of service to the sport.
Shane Douglas, known for his candid and often fiery shoot interviews, brings a unique perspective to the conversation. As an ECW legend, Douglas has seen the wrestling business from multiple angles, and his discussions with Long are expected to be insightful and engaging. Douglas’s ability to draw out stories and experiences from his interviewees makes this shoot interview a deep dive into not just Long’s career but the wrestling industry as a whole.