Teddy Long

Teddy Long has transitioned from a professional wrestling referee and manager to a notable authority figure within the sport, recognized for his contributions to major organizations like WWE and NWA. After becoming an official referee within the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in 1985, Teddy Long went on to officiate significant matches, including Ric Flair’s major bouts and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship match at Chi-Town Rumble in 1989. Long’s career trajectory shifted when he transitioned from referee to manager in the NWA and later World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He successfully guided tag teams and individual heavy hitters, including Doom (Ron Simmons and Butch Reed) to World Tag Team Titles in the late 1980s.

During this period, he also managed talent such as Johnny B. Badd, One Man Gang, and The Skyscrapers, earning the Manager of the Year award from Pro Wrestling Illustrated in 1990. Long joined WWE in 1998, initially working as a referee. By late 2003, he moved into a managerial role, working with Superstars like Mark Henry and Rodney Mack under the stable ‘Thuggin’ and Buggin’ Enterprises.’ In 2004, Long made history by becoming the first African-American General Manager of SmackDown, a role he reprised multiple times.

Following this, he continued to make sporadic appearances for major WWE events, showcasing his enduring popularity and influence. These appearances include Raw 25 Years in 2018, Raw Legends Night in 2021, and Raw is XXX in 2023. Beyond WWE, Long has remained an active figure in the sport, lending his expertise as a general manager for independent promotions such as Reality of Wrestling and SWE Fury. In 2024, Teddy Long continued his involvement with WWE, contributing as part of the SmackDown backstage team during the annual WWE Draft, further solidifying his legacy as a respected and authoritative figure in professional wrestling.