Teddy Long

Teddy Long served two tenures as SmackDown General Manager lasting a combined six years and one year as ECW General Manager, becoming the longest-running GM in WWE history. His executive run brought swagger to the position, refusing intimidation from tough superstars as he fined Kurt Angle, stripped Booker T of the U.S. Championship, and beat Eric Bischoff at Survivor Series 2005. Long placed Rey Mysterio in a Triple Threat WrestleMania 22 main event after Mysterio had been cheated out of his spot, leading to Mysterio capturing the World Heavyweight Championship. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017.

Long recently shut down speculation about returning to SmackDown as General Manager or another televised WWE role during an appearance on the Road Trip After Hours podcast. The 78-year-old reflected on his life after WWE, speaking about his enjoyment sleeping at home more often, making convention appearances, and signing autographs for fans without the stress of weekly television.