The wrestling world stands united through triumph and tragedy in this deeply personal episode of Wrestling's Road Trip After Hours. Mac Davis and Teddy Long begin by previewing Saturday Night's Main Event, dissecting the potential outcomes for Drew McIntyre versus Randy Orton, Seth Rollins facing LA Knight, and the heavyweight championship showdown between Gunther and Goldberg. Their seasoned analysis reveals why Goldberg's "final match" might not be so final if championship gold enters the equation.

The conversation takes a poignant turn when Teddy addresses the recent passing of his son Antoine. With remarkable grace, he acknowledges the wrestling community's outpouring of support, specifically naming Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, Mark Henry, Bruce Prichard, and others who reached out during this difficult time. "When people do stuff like this, they don't have to," Teddy reflects. "That lets me know you ain't faking. You're real."

Through fan questions, listeners gain rare insights into wrestling's golden era. Teddy recalls his first meeting with Vince McMahon in 1998, shares what made working with Vickie Guerrero special, and reveals surprising friendships with stars like Rick Rude. The hosts explore the creative differences between wrestling then and now, with Mac noting, "When Vince was there in WWE, it seemed like there was more creativity and fun things that happened. Today that does not exist, at least not for me."

Whether discussing the roughest bump Teddy ever took (courtesy of Big Show), his approach to not dating talent ("You don't mix business with pleasure"), or humorous stories about fans who couldn't separate kayfabe from reality, this episode beautifully balances wrestling analysis with genuine human connection. Join these wrestling veterans as they remind us why the bonds formed through this unique industry endure through life's most challenging moments.

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The celebration of wrestling history takes center stage as the hosts announce that Herb Simmons will be inducted into the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame for the class of 2026. When Simmons joins the conversation, we're treated to a fascinating yet troubling behind-the-scenes look at a publishing controversy involving Abdullah the Butcher. According to Simmons, Abdullah collaborated on an autobiography but isn't receiving royalties from sales. The discussion highlights the ongoing challenges wrestling legends face even after their in-ring careers end.

WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long shines throughout with his signature candor and humor, sharing untold stories from his illustrious career. He reveals the organic origin of his famous "one-on-one with the Undertaker" catchphrase—a spontaneous moment that caught Vince McMahon's attention—and recounts how Big Show once threw him from the ring without warning. When asked about "ring rats" (wrestling groupies), Long provides a straightforward explanation of this aspect of wrestling's road culture that many fans have heard about but few understand. The episode reaches peak entertainment when Long shares an unprintable yet hilarious story about Big Daddy V and Viagra that will leave listeners in stitches.

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A meteorite blazing across the southeastern sky kicks off an hour of captivating wrestling conversation between WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long and host Mac Davis. As footage of the space rock landing on rooftops plays across news outlets, our hosts transition into something equally explosive – genuine concern about WWE's continued events in Saudi Arabia amid growing geopolitical tensions.

"If something were to happen...I don't think the company could survive," Mac observes, with Teddy acknowledging how his perspective has evolved with age. "Ten years ago, I probably wouldn't have given it a second thought. I'd have jumped right on that plane. But now? The world is just in too much turmoil." This rare moment of vulnerability from a wrestling veteran highlights the real-world considerations behind the spectacle we love.

The conversation flows into personal territory as Teddy reveals his television preferences (Family Guy tops his list) and shares the fascinating origin story of how working for music legend James Brown at TBS Studios unexpectedly led him to wrestling. "I started taking me and my son to watch wrestling because I could get in the back...one thing led to another, and here I am today." These connecting threads between music, television production, and professional wrestling illustrate how the most successful careers often follow unexpected paths.

The highlight comes during name association segments where Teddy delivers priceless anecdotes about legends like Jimmy Snuka ("real nice guy, kept to himself"), Roddy Piper's overseas revenge on a prankster ("threw all his stuff in the shower"), and Paul Bearer's mischievous side. When Teddy complained to Paul about his wife not feeding their dogs, Paul grabbed the phone and immediately told her everything, throwing his friend "under the bus." These unfiltered, genuine moments showcase the brotherhood that exists behind wrestling's curtain, where ribbing and camaraderie create bonds as strong as family.

Ready for more unscripted wrestling stories from someone who lived them? Subscribe now and join us every Thursday at 7 PM Eastern for authentic conversations that bring the wrestling world to life!

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Teddy Long takes us behind the WWE curtain with revelations that will surprise even the most dedicated wrestling fans. In a candid moment, the Hall of Famer shares how he discovered he would become SmackDown General Manager mere minutes before walking through the curtain - a bombshell that exemplifies WWE's secretive approach to preventing storyline leaks.

The conversation shifts to heartfelt memories of the late Iron Sheik, with Teddy painting a picture of a man whose authenticity made him beloved backstage. "He was the real deal," Teddy explains, describing the Sheik's no-nonsense approach to both wrestling and life. Mac adds a humorous anecdote about wearing an Iron Sheik shirt to a medical appointment, where someone mistakenly thought he was supporting Iran politically - showcasing how wrestling characters can transcend the ring in unexpected ways.

When discussion turns to Vince McMahon's reported attempt to purchase Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, Teddy doesn't shy away from expressing continued loyalty to his former boss. This leads into a fascinating breakdown of Goldberg's upcoming match with Gunther, where both hosts speculate about potential finishes that could satisfy fans while protecting both superstars' credibility.

The mailbag segment reveals fascinating insights about Teddy's career, including his transition from referee to authority figure and how he navigated the sometimes treacherous waters of wrestling politics. Throughout it all, Teddy's wisdom about wrestling management shines through, particularly his thoughts on why modern WWE should employ just enough managers to enhance the show without overwhelming it.

Whether you're a longtime wrestling fan or new to the conversation, this episode delivers authentic, unfiltered perspectives from someone who lived through wrestling's most transformative eras. Subscribe now and join us every Thursday at 7 PM Eastern for more behind-the-scenes stories you won't hear anywhere else!

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Mac Davis and WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long kick off another engaging episode of Wrestling's Road Trip After Hours with fond memories of their recent appearance at River City Wrestling Con in St. Augustine. The duo shares a heartwarming reunion with WWE Hall of Famer Jackie Moore, complete with hilarious road trip stories that showcase the genuine friendships formed behind the scenes in professional wrestling.

The conversation quickly shifts to current wrestling controversies, starting with Rikishi's comments about his son Jey Uso's WWE booking. Teddy doesn't hold back, agreeing that WWE failed Jey by having him lose his championship too quickly: "It's not how you win the title, it's how you lose it." This prompts a broader discussion about WWE's creative direction and whether the company adequately plans storylines beyond championship victories.

When addressing R-Truth's WWE release, Teddy cuts through the noise with his trademark directness: "It's a shoot." He expresses frustration at what he sees as WWE's attempt to reframe the situation as planned, suggesting the company is trying to cover up what he believes was a mistake. This segment offers viewers a rare glimpse into how wrestling veterans interpret corporate messaging.

Perhaps most striking is their candid assessment of WWE's current ticket pricing strategy, with reports of ringside seats costing $30,000 and nosebleed sections approaching $1,000. "It's greed," Teddy states plainly, reflecting on how economic realities make such prices inaccessible to average fans. Both hosts worry this approach could backfire by driving wrestling enthusiasts toward more affordable independent shows, where fan-wrestler interactions remain personal and meaningful.

The episode features lively audience interaction, with Teddy answering questions about inspirational colleagues (naming JBL) and sharing brief but insightful comments about wrestling personalities like Goldust, Lita, Marty Jannetty, and Mick Foley. Want more behind-the-scenes wrestling stories and unfiltered commentary? Join Mac and Teddy next Thursday at 7:00 PM for another episode of Wrestling's Road Trip After Hours!

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The wrestling world is experiencing seismic shifts as corporate interests reshape the landscape that fans and performers have long known. Mac Davis and Teddy Long dive deep into these changes, offering perspectives that only industry veterans can provide.

The conversation begins with Ric Flair's latest controversy, where he dismissed Jim Ross's cancer announcement as "attention seeking" before boasting about making "$3 million at age 76" while dismissing critics who weren't "famous." Teddy doesn't mince words in his assessment of Flair's behavior, expressing disappointment in how the once-respected legend now presents himself.

As TKO tightens its grip on WWE operations, reports suggest they're reconsidering Roman Reigns' lucrative contract despite his status as the company's top star. This exemplifies the new business-focused approach that's transforming WWE under corporate ownership. Both hosts draw parallels to WCW's demise, warning that when corporations focus solely on financials without understanding wrestling's unique appeal, the product inevitably suffers.

The recent release of R-Truth sparked particularly passionate discussion. Despite being one of WWE's most beloved characters, Truth was let go in what seems like a purely business decision. Teddy reveals a conversation with Truth where he expressed feeling "free" after his release. The hosts explore exciting possibilities for Truth's future, including creative storylines involving "Little Jimmy" that could revitalize his career outside WWE's constraints.

Production quality also comes under scrutiny as the hosts compare today's WWE programming to the Attitude Era. They point to a recent Naomi-Bianca Belair segment that mentioned visiting a childhood home without showing any footage – a missed opportunity that highlights how the current product lacks the creative flourishes that once made wrestling compelling viewing.

Join us each week for unfiltered insights into professional wrestling from those who've lived it. And if you're in Florida, come meet us at River City Wrestling Con in St. Augustine this weekend!

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The wrestling business is built on loyalty – until it isn't. When news broke that John Laurinaitis had been removed from Janelle Grant's lawsuit and was now cooperating against WWE and Vince McMahon, wrestling legend Teddy Long didn't mince words, calling him a "coward" who turned on the man who made him somebody.

Drawing from his personal experiences with Laurinaitis, Teddy reveals how power was abused behind the scenes, stating bluntly, "I was there and I was one of the guys that he abused." This raw honesty sets the tone for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on wrestling's power dynamics when legal troubles arise.

The rumors of Vince McMahon potentially buying WWE back sparked lively speculation, with Teddy offering surprising insight: "If it was me, I wouldn't want WWE back. I would buy and get my own company with a new brand, new name and start fresh." Calling McMahon "a genius" who "doesn't go down without a fight," Teddy predicts we haven't seen the last of wrestling's most controversial figure.

We tackle the question many fans are asking: is there too much wrestling content today? With WWE, AEW, TNA, and ROH all competing for viewership, Teddy believes we've reached oversaturation. He ranks the current companies from best to worst, offering candid assessments that might surprise you. The conversation reveals concerns about whether there's enough elite talent to sustain quality programming across all these promotions.

Throughout this episode, Teddy shares unforgettable stories from his decades in the business, including a hilarious travel mishap with Jacqueline that led to relentless ribbing from JBL and Ron Simmons. His name association game provides genuine reactions to wrestling personalities from Big Boss Man to Jim Cornette, giving listeners authentic glimpses into wrestling's colorful backstage world.

Join us at River City Wrestling Con in St. Augustine, Florida on June 7-8, where Teddy will be doing a special Q&A panel with Mike Chioda. Get your tickets now and don't forget to subscribe for your chance to win exclusive Road Trip After Hours merchandise!

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