Teddy Long Recalls the Story Regarding His Iconic Catchphrase on SmackDown
Teddy Long is one of the most well-known non-wrestling figures in the
WWE
. Initially starting his career as a referee in 1998, he later became the on-screen manager for Mark Henry. However, the WWE Hall of Famer is fondly remembered for his role as the SmackDown General Manager between 2006 and 2012.
This was the time when
The Undertaker
was the top face on the brand and regularly competed in marquee matches.
However, Long was famous for another reason. And that was interrupting a conversation or confrontation involving a top heel and pitting them against The Undertaker in a match. His famous catchphrase would be 'one-on-one with The Undertaker.' Moreover, this became the highlight of every edition of the show with the likes of Booker T, JBL, and MVP being the victims of the stipulation.
And there is an interesting story behind its inception.
The Story Behind Teddy Long's '
One on One With the Undertaker
' Catchphrase
In a recent episode of the 'Road Trip After Hours' podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer revealed the origin story of his famous catchphrase. Long mentioned that this idea was based on advice directly from former WWE CEO
Vince McMahon
. Long explained that it took place at the iconic Madison Square Garden arena when he heard Vince talking to Stephanie McMahon.
'Vince came out and he was talking to Stephanie… and he was telling everybody he wanted a little bit more emphasis on the name, you know, when she introduced him,' Long recalled.
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'And I just overheard it, you know. And I didn't say a word, but I remembered it.'
And later that night, Long was tasked with announcing The Undertaker for a regular outing. This is when he decided to implement his twist. "So when I went out that night to introduce The Undertaker, that's the first thing I remember. Vince wanted that, that high, you know, input. And so I said, 'One-on-one with The Undertaker!' you know."
Teddy Long forces Superstars to go one-on-one with The Undertaker
He added, "And I come back by, and he [Vince] looks at me, and he just thumbs up. And I, you know, I keep right on walking. But I came over. I did that myself." As already mentioned, this catchphrase became one of the most fondly remembered parts of the SmackDown telecast and also played a part in Long being inducted into the 2017 Hall of Fame.
Also read:
Father's bold move to fulfill son's WWE dream pays off as The Undertaker responds: "Well done, young man!!"
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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