Teddy Long – WWE Status, Tony Khan On Changing AEW PPVs

After appearing on SmackDown, people are wondering the WWE status of Teddy Long. Also, there could be a change coming to AEW PPVs.

Teddy Long – WWE Status

WWE held a throwback edition of SmackDown on Friday. Although, very little from the show represented the old days of SmackDown.

One difference was the appearance of Teddy Long. Despite having no power in WWE, he still booked a match.

He played a minor role that setup Cesaro vs. Roman Reigns for WrestleMania Backlash. With Cesaro getting the better of Seth Rollins, for the second time, he now earns a title shot.

It’s Teddy Long, playa! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/JRA9Ich47l

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) May 8, 2021

Teddy Long coming out and making matches on #Smackdown

We love to see it! pic.twitter.com/Z1rMOVPb0i

— Wrestle Critic (@WrestleCritic) May 8, 2021

Would be fine if the throwback #SmackDown was just Teddy Long dancing. Holla Holla! pic.twitter.com/4TwKZm6drZ

— Cageside Seats (@cagesideseats) May 8, 2021

“Look it’s just a normal episode of Smackdown with old graphics and Teddy Long”

“…but it’s got Teddy Long” pic.twitter.com/K16YVSWsbt

— Wrestling Memes (@Wrestling_Memes) May 8, 2021

Happy to see Teddy Long. Was really hoping for a tag team match. #SmackDown

— Sam Roberts (@notsam) May 8, 2021

Big full circle moment for Cesaro. Debuts on Smackdown with Teddy Long and now he gives him an opportunity for the Universal world title @WWECesaro #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/l13sBkKukg

— DRADA LEE (@2Sweet4Lyfe) May 8, 2021

According to PW Insider, Long’s appearance was a one-time deal.

After a lengthy run in WWE, Long started to slowdown in 2012 and was let go from the promotion in 2014. At the time, he had been off TV for about a year.

Then, he would make special appearances. Also, that included an induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017.

WrestleMania Backlash is May 16 and comes from Florida in the ThunderDome. Many of matches look similar to WrestleMania 37, with minor tweaks.

Tony Khan On Changing AEW PPVs

Now that AEW has a better understanding of the pay per view business, they might make changes. Tony Khan debated having an intermission, but it was met with a mixed response. 

While speaking on Busted Open Radio, Khan addressed the possible change. It does not seem like intermissions will happen, but he wants slight changes.

“I don’t know if I’m going to do the intermission,” said Khan. “I’ve gotten really mixed [reviews].”

“I might do long packages in the show and maybe give a timer to when we’re back, but I don’t think it’s going to be a big break in the show. The packages are a big part of the show.”

We will see soon enough as Double Or Nothing in only weeks away. So far, the card is not completely done and AEW World Champion Kenny Omega is still does not know is opponent.

Also, it should be noted the last few AEW pay per views have not been the best. The early shows were fire, but that pace has slowed.

Double Or Nothing will be the first AEW show with a full crowd since the pandemic started. Therefore, several thousand fans could be in attendance if all tickets are sold.