In a recent episode of Sportskeeda’s The Wrestling Time Machine, WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long opened up about the involvement of Vince McMahon in one of the most controversial storylines of his career. The storyline in question, which aired on January 5, 2004, saw Long make inflammatory comments about racism, sparking a heated response from Jerry Lawler.
For those who may not recall, Long’s promo on RAW claimed that every white man from New York to Memphis was racist. Lawler, who is from Memphis, took issue with the comment and stood up to defend his hometown. The situation escalated, with Long declaring himself the “new King of Memphis” and telling Lawler to bow down.
What many fans may not know, however, is that Vince McMahon was the mastermind behind the entire segment. According to Long, McMahon was responsible for booking the promo, which sparked a chain reaction of events that saw Randy Orton hit Lawler with an RKO out of nowhere.
In hindsight, it’s interesting to note that Lawler harbored no ill will towards McMahon for his role in the storyline. Despite the controversy, Long’s segment with Lawler remains one of the most memorable moments of his WWE career.
This revelation is especially significant given McMahon’s recent departure from WWE’s parent company, TKO, amid misconduct allegations. McMahon’s creative direction of WWE spanned four decades, from 1982 to 2022. His influence on the company’s storylines and characters cannot be overstated.
Long’s comments offer a unique insight into the way McMahon operated behind the scenes, often pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in professional wrestling. While the racism storyline was certainly controversial, it’s clear that McMahon was willing to take risks to create memorable TV.
As WWE continues to evolve in the post-McMahon era, it’s fascinating to look back on moments like these and appreciate the complexity of the company’s creative process. Long’s story serves as a reminder that even the most contentious storylines can lead to unforgettable moments in professional wrestling.
