Mar 06 2025 28 mins 4
Teddy Long takes off the filter and delivers unfiltered wrestling insights in this candid conversation about the changing landscape of professional wrestling. The WWE Hall of Famer weighs in on recent controversies including Pat McAfee receiving death threats after standing up for the American national anthem at WWE Elimination Chamber in Canada. Teddy discusses how modern sensitivities have altered wrestling storytelling, recalling how financially successful the Sergeant Slaughter and Iron Sheik rivalry was because "it was real" during an actual international conflict.
The conversation takes an interesting turn as Teddy shares behind-the-scenes perspectives on WWE's puzzling censorship on Netflix despite the streaming platform's reputation for explicit content. He offers a fascinating glimpse into the significant business differences he discovered when transitioning from WCW to WWE, noting that Vince McMahon personally wrote many of his iconic storylines including the Vickie Guerrero angle and the "White Boy Challenge."
Perhaps most moving is Teddy's matter-of-fact recollection of learning about Eddie Guerrero's death while at a TV taping in Minneapolis, demonstrating the wrestling industry's resilient "show must go on" philosophy that McMahon instilled in his performers. Teddy also shares stories from wrestling's pre-cell phone era, refereeing the classic Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat match, and offers his thoughts on current storylines including Rhea Ripley's WrestleMania status and John Cena's heel turn. Whether you're a longtime wrestling fan or new to the industry, this episode delivers rarely-heard perspectives from one of wrestling's most beloved personalities. Share your thoughts and questions with us for a chance to win exclusive Wrestling Road Trip After Hours merchandise!
