Theodore Long

Biography

Theodore Robert Rufus “Teddy” Long was born on September 15, 1947. Although he’s not known for being a wrestler, Long has had a substantial impact on professional wrestling, having played various roles like referee, manager, and authority figure. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017.

Career History and Evolution

Long began his career in wrestling as a part of the ring crew for Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) in the early 1980s. He then transitioned into a referee’s role, making history as one of the first African American referees in professional wrestling.
Eventually, Long moved into managing, where he guided wrestlers such as Johnny B. Badd, Norman the Lunatic, and Butch Reed in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). However, his most notable role was that of a general manager in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where he led both SmackDown and ECW brands.

Major Matches and Rivalries

While not a competitor, Long’s role as general manager brought him into frequent conflict with various wrestlers. His rivalries, though largely non-physical, included wrestlers like Kurt Angle, Edge, and John Laurinaitis.

Tag Team Partners

As a manager, Long was known for his associations with tag teams. In WCW, he managed Doom (Ron Simmons and Butch Reed), who held the WCW Tag Team Championships under his guidance. In WWE, he often found himself as an authority figure for tag team matches, with his catchphrase “Now hold on a minute, playa. This is going to be a tag team match!”

Family Life

Theodore Long is married to Stephanie Keller. They tied the knot in 2015, and the event was attended by several wrestling personalities, reflecting Long’s respected status within the industry.

Finishing Move

As Long was not an in-ring competitor, he doesn’t have a traditional finishing move. His “finishing move,” if you will, is his authority to make matches, often turning singles contests into tag team matches on the spot!

Clothing and Entrance Music

Long was usually seen in professional attire, including a suit and tie, fitting his general manager role. His entrance theme was a funky hip-hop track titled “MacMilitant,” which echoed his lively personality.

Influence and Impact

Long’s diverse roles in wrestling, from referee to manager to authority figure, display his wide-ranging impact on the sport. As one of the first prominent African American figures in these roles, he has been a trailblazer, respected for his charisma, adaptability, and enduring presence in the wrestling world.