Teddy Long takes us behind the WWE curtain with revelations that will surprise even the most dedicated wrestling fans. In a candid moment, the Hall of Famer shares how he discovered he would become SmackDown General Manager mere minutes before walking through the curtain - a bombshell that exemplifies WWE's secretive approach to preventing storyline leaks.

The conversation shifts to heartfelt memories of the late Iron Sheik, with Teddy painting a picture of a man whose authenticity made him beloved backstage. "He was the real deal," Teddy explains, describing the Sheik's no-nonsense approach to both wrestling and life. Mac adds a humorous anecdote about wearing an Iron Sheik shirt to a medical appointment, where someone mistakenly thought he was supporting Iran politically - showcasing how wrestling characters can transcend the ring in unexpected ways.

When discussion turns to Vince McMahon's reported attempt to purchase Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, Teddy doesn't shy away from expressing continued loyalty to his former boss. This leads into a fascinating breakdown of Goldberg's upcoming match with Gunther, where both hosts speculate about potential finishes that could satisfy fans while protecting both superstars' credibility.

The mailbag segment reveals fascinating insights about Teddy's career, including his transition from referee to authority figure and how he navigated the sometimes treacherous waters of wrestling politics. Throughout it all, Teddy's wisdom about wrestling management shines through, particularly his thoughts on why modern WWE should employ just enough managers to enhance the show without overwhelming it.

Whether you're a longtime wrestling fan or new to the conversation, this episode delivers authentic, unfiltered perspectives from someone who lived through wrestling's most transformative eras. Subscribe now and join us every Thursday at 7 PM Eastern for more behind-the-scenes stories you won't hear anywhere else!

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Mac Davis and WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long kick off another engaging episode of Wrestling's Road Trip After Hours with fond memories of their recent appearance at River City Wrestling Con in St. Augustine. The duo shares a heartwarming reunion with WWE Hall of Famer Jackie Moore, complete with hilarious road trip stories that showcase the genuine friendships formed behind the scenes in professional wrestling.

The conversation quickly shifts to current wrestling controversies, starting with Rikishi's comments about his son Jey Uso's WWE booking. Teddy doesn't hold back, agreeing that WWE failed Jey by having him lose his championship too quickly: "It's not how you win the title, it's how you lose it." This prompts a broader discussion about WWE's creative direction and whether the company adequately plans storylines beyond championship victories.

When addressing R-Truth's WWE release, Teddy cuts through the noise with his trademark directness: "It's a shoot." He expresses frustration at what he sees as WWE's attempt to reframe the situation as planned, suggesting the company is trying to cover up what he believes was a mistake. This segment offers viewers a rare glimpse into how wrestling veterans interpret corporate messaging.

Perhaps most striking is their candid assessment of WWE's current ticket pricing strategy, with reports of ringside seats costing $30,000 and nosebleed sections approaching $1,000. "It's greed," Teddy states plainly, reflecting on how economic realities make such prices inaccessible to average fans. Both hosts worry this approach could backfire by driving wrestling enthusiasts toward more affordable independent shows, where fan-wrestler interactions remain personal and meaningful.

The episode features lively audience interaction, with Teddy answering questions about inspirational colleagues (naming JBL) and sharing brief but insightful comments about wrestling personalities like Goldust, Lita, Marty Jannetty, and Mick Foley. Want more behind-the-scenes wrestling stories and unfiltered commentary? Join Mac and Teddy next Thursday at 7:00 PM for another episode of Wrestling's Road Trip After Hours!

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The wrestling world is experiencing seismic shifts as corporate interests reshape the landscape that fans and performers have long known. Mac Davis and Teddy Long dive deep into these changes, offering perspectives that only industry veterans can provide.

The conversation begins with Ric Flair's latest controversy, where he dismissed Jim Ross's cancer announcement as "attention seeking" before boasting about making "$3 million at age 76" while dismissing critics who weren't "famous." Teddy doesn't mince words in his assessment of Flair's behavior, expressing disappointment in how the once-respected legend now presents himself.

As TKO tightens its grip on WWE operations, reports suggest they're reconsidering Roman Reigns' lucrative contract despite his status as the company's top star. This exemplifies the new business-focused approach that's transforming WWE under corporate ownership. Both hosts draw parallels to WCW's demise, warning that when corporations focus solely on financials without understanding wrestling's unique appeal, the product inevitably suffers.

The recent release of R-Truth sparked particularly passionate discussion. Despite being one of WWE's most beloved characters, Truth was let go in what seems like a purely business decision. Teddy reveals a conversation with Truth where he expressed feeling "free" after his release. The hosts explore exciting possibilities for Truth's future, including creative storylines involving "Little Jimmy" that could revitalize his career outside WWE's constraints.

Production quality also comes under scrutiny as the hosts compare today's WWE programming to the Attitude Era. They point to a recent Naomi-Bianca Belair segment that mentioned visiting a childhood home without showing any footage – a missed opportunity that highlights how the current product lacks the creative flourishes that once made wrestling compelling viewing.

Join us each week for unfiltered insights into professional wrestling from those who've lived it. And if you're in Florida, come meet us at River City Wrestling Con in St. Augustine this weekend!

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The wrestling business is built on loyalty – until it isn't. When news broke that John Laurinaitis had been removed from Janelle Grant's lawsuit and was now cooperating against WWE and Vince McMahon, wrestling legend Teddy Long didn't mince words, calling him a "coward" who turned on the man who made him somebody.

Drawing from his personal experiences with Laurinaitis, Teddy reveals how power was abused behind the scenes, stating bluntly, "I was there and I was one of the guys that he abused." This raw honesty sets the tone for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on wrestling's power dynamics when legal troubles arise.

The rumors of Vince McMahon potentially buying WWE back sparked lively speculation, with Teddy offering surprising insight: "If it was me, I wouldn't want WWE back. I would buy and get my own company with a new brand, new name and start fresh." Calling McMahon "a genius" who "doesn't go down without a fight," Teddy predicts we haven't seen the last of wrestling's most controversial figure.

We tackle the question many fans are asking: is there too much wrestling content today? With WWE, AEW, TNA, and ROH all competing for viewership, Teddy believes we've reached oversaturation. He ranks the current companies from best to worst, offering candid assessments that might surprise you. The conversation reveals concerns about whether there's enough elite talent to sustain quality programming across all these promotions.

Throughout this episode, Teddy shares unforgettable stories from his decades in the business, including a hilarious travel mishap with Jacqueline that led to relentless ribbing from JBL and Ron Simmons. His name association game provides genuine reactions to wrestling personalities from Big Boss Man to Jim Cornette, giving listeners authentic glimpses into wrestling's colorful backstage world.

Join us at River City Wrestling Con in St. Augustine, Florida on June 7-8, where Teddy will be doing a special Q&A panel with Mike Chioda. Get your tickets now and don't forget to subscribe for your chance to win exclusive Road Trip After Hours merchandise!

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Take a ride with wrestling legends as Mac Davis and WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long dive into the world of professional wrestling with unfiltered authenticity. This episode finds our hosts buzzing with excitement about the upcoming SICW Fan Fest 3 in St. Louis, where Teddy will receive a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award from promoter Herb Simmons, a man who's been treating wrestlers fairly for over 50 years.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn as they dissect Dana White's controversial Power Slap league, with Teddy offering candid thoughts on the physical toll such entertainment takes on participants. "You put yourself in a situation of getting a concussion," Teddy notes, drawing from decades of experience in an industry where performer safety remains a contentious topic.

Their spotlight on Georgia's independent wrestling scene reveals gems like Skrilla the Great, Shoot Taylor, and Randy Reno – talent Teddy describes as "great guys to work with" who deserve broader recognition. This segues into industry news about Mercedes Moné's $100/month fan texting service and speculation about Bill Goldberg's rumored WWE return, potentially setting up a showdown with Gunther.

The highlight of the episode comes during the mailbag segment when Teddy shares the hilarious origin story behind Scott Hall's famous "Yo man" catchphrase, revealing it began as an impression of a muscular gym-goer in Oakland. He also drops fascinating tidbits about his own career, including getting fined $1000 for smoking marijuana during his WWE days and refereeing a 30-minute classic between Barry Windham and Brad Armstrong that left him "soaking wet" from the physical exertion.

These compelling wrestling tales showcase why this podcast continues to delight fans seeking authentic perspectives from those who've lived the business. Subscribe now and join Mac and Teddy next week as they prepare for their St. Louis adventure – or as Teddy warns with his signature charm, it's "one-on-one with the Undertaker!"

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Stepping into the wild, unfiltered world of professional wrestling has never been more entertaining than with Mac Davis and WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long on Wrestling's Road Trip After Hours.

Teddy kicks things off by sharing his recent experience at an Indianapolis wrestling expo where he reunited with dozens of industry legends – from Slick to Mick Foley – creating a nostalgic backdrop for the stories to follow. As the conversation shifts to current wrestling headlines, the hosts dissect Hulk Hogan's mathematically impossible claim of wrestling 400 days in a year, setting up a thoughtful exploration of wrestling's relationship with truth and entertainment.

When the discussion turns to The Rock's recent controversial comments about wrestling being "a work," Teddy offers a perspective only a veteran could provide: "Everything has changed now. The whole wrestling, everything has changed. This is not back in the day and what it used to be." This seamless blend of insider knowledge with candid commentary makes even familiar wrestling debates feel fresh and nuanced.

The show reaches its emotional peak during the fan questions segment, where Teddy shares truly jaw-dropping stories – witnessing Eddie Guerrero and Kurt Angle's backstage brawl, seeing Vince McMahon tear up scripts minutes before going live, and his own personal battle with addiction during his WCW days. His vulnerability in discussing his 250-pound frame while managing Ice Train and his journey to recovery showcases the real human behind the wrestling persona.

Whether you're a die-hard wrestling fan or simply appreciate authentic conversation between two friends who've seen it all, this episode delivers moments that will make you laugh, reflect, and see professional wrestling in an entirely new light. Subscribe now and join Mac and Teddy for more unfiltered wrestling tales that you won't hear anywhere else.

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Ever wonder what wrestling legends talk about when the cameras stop rolling? WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long pulls back the curtain on his WrestleMania weekend, sharing heartfelt reunions with Stone Cold Steve Austin, Rikishi, and other wrestling royalty at WrestleCon.

The wrestling world buzzed when Triple H kissed Shawn Michaels at the Hall of Fame ceremony, but Teddy offers a refreshing perspective: "That's real friendship right there." He reflects on their decades-long bond, reminding us that in wrestling, genuine connections run deeper than storylines. Meanwhile, Randy Orton's comments about "embarrassing" $30,000 WrestleMania ticket prices strike a chord with Teddy, who worries about pricing out devoted fans, especially families who can't afford such luxury.

What happens when a young talent like Bron Breakker aligns with "wise man" Paul Heyman? Teddy sees tremendous value in this mentorship: "He's going to learn a lot from those guys." This seasoned perspective extends to The Rock's conspicuous absence from WrestleMania, as Teddy suggests we might see the People's Champion make a bigger splash at SummerSlam instead.

With surprising candor, Teddy rates this year's WrestleMania a 9/10, though he acknowledges Sunday outshined Saturday. Macs biggest wrestling pet peeve? The death of true finishing moves: "People kick out of everything left and right," diluting what used to be storytelling magic. Through it all, Teddy's love for the business shines through, reminding us why wrestling's blend of athleticism, entertainment, and human connection continues to captivate generations of fans.

Join us every Thursday night at 7 PM Eastern for more unfiltered wrestling talk with one of the industry's most beloved personalities. As Teddy would say: "Holla, holla, playa!"

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