Teddy Long is shutting down rumors about returning to WWE television as SmackDown General Manager.
A rumor started spreading online claiming Long was set to replace Nick Aldis as SmackDown’s on-screen authority figure once the show moves back to a two-hour format in June. The story also claimed Aldis would supposedly step away from the role to restart his in-ring career. Long addressed the rumor directly during an appearance on the Road Trip After Hours podcast with Mac Davis and made it crystal clear WWE has not contacted him at all.
“WWE has not contacted me. Call me for anything. I know it ain’t gonna happen. That ain’t gonna happen. They ain’t calling me. I guarantee you.”
Long also admitted he has no real interest in jumping back into the full-time WWE grind anyway because he enjoys the lifestyle he has now. The WWE Hall of Famer explained that he loves doing convention appearances and signings while still getting to sleep in his own bed almost every night.
“I sleep in my own bed almost every night. I love doing that. I love going out doing the signings.”
Long mentioned he recently attended WrestleCon in Las Vegas and will also be appearing during SummerSlam weekend in Minneapolis.
“I just enjoy doing those, man, and getting on the plane going back home.”
Long also made it clear he understands when it’s time to step away instead of trying to hold onto the spotlight forever. He then reflected positively on his legendary WWE run and gave credit to Vince McMahon for the opportunities he had during his career.
“I’m not one of these guys that don’t know when to take the cape off. So I know when to take the cape off.”
“I had a great run, thanks to God and Vince McMahon. So I ain’t bitter about a thing.”
Long served as SmackDown General Manager for nearly eight years and became one of the most memorable authority figures in WWE history before eventually entering the WWE Hall of Fame. At this point, it sounds like fans hoping for Teddy Long to start making tag team matches on SmackDown again probably shouldn’t expect it anytime soon.
Would you want to see Teddy Long return to WWE television one more time, or is his Hall of Fame legacy already perfect as-is? Leave your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.