Released WWE star might have had backstage heat, Teddy Long thinks (Exclusive)

Teddy Long worked for WWE in various on-screen roles between 1998 and 2014 before being released. The Hall of Famer recently gave his thoughts on the latest round of roster cuts in the company, including Braun Strowman's exit.

On May 2, Strowman was let go by the company alongside Dakota Kai, Katana Chance, Kayden Carter, Shayna Baszler, and several others. The Monster of All Monsters' departure was arguably the most surprising, especially as he often appears on SmackDown.

Long spoke to Bill Apter, Dutch Mantell, and Mac Davis on Sportskeeda Wrestling's The Wrestling Time Machine. Reflecting on Strowman leaving, he speculated that the former Universal Champion might have had backstage heat.

"With Strowman, this is not the first time that they've released him," Long said. "I think this is his second or third time, I believe. I'm not sure, but then they brought him back. So I'm saying this, if you can go back when Vince [McMahon] was in charge, when Strowman was there, they were using him a whole different way. I mean, he was the monster at that particular time, so I don't know what happened with him. I think he may have got his own heat." [3:33 – 4:01]

What was Sabu really like? More info HERE.

Watch the video above to hear Dutch Mantell explain why now was the right time for Strowman to leave.

Teddy Long would have kept Braun Strowman in WWE

In the mid-to-late 2010s, Braun Strowman was one of WWE's top main-eventers. He received his first release in 2021 before returning a year later.

Expand Tweet

Legendary journalist Bill Apter suggested WWE might have let the six-foot-eight star depart due to a lack of creative plans. However, Teddy Long believes the company can always think of ideas for someone of his size:

"That too, but I'm saying look at it, guys. Look at the guy. You mean to tell me you can't find something for him?" [4:13 – 4:19]

Strowman's last major WWE rivalry was with Jacob Fatu on SmackDown. The storyline looked set to lead to a WrestleMania 41 match at one stage. However, the former Universal Champion was not included on the card.

Please credit The Wrestling Time Machine and embed the video if you use Teddy Long's quotes from this article, giving an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.

About the author

Danny Hart is a journalist who has been reporting on pro wrestling (WWE) at Sportskeeda since 2017. He grew up as a massive fan of football/soccer and wrestling, leading him to pursue a career in sports journalism.

Before assuming his current role, Hart worked as a football writer at Goal.com between 2009 and 2016. He prides himself on writing original content that is fact-based and highly accurate. Hart thoroughly proofreads his work before submitting it and relies only on credible sources for information.

Hart’s favorite pro wrestler is The Undertaker. He admires the 2022 WWE Hall of Famer’s ability to reinvent his character and remain relevant across his decades-long career. If given the keys to WWE’s creative department, he would bring back The Phenom for a farewell bout against AJ Styles in a stadium full of fans. Not only that, but he would love to have the multi-time world champion’s greatest rivals seated at ringside for the spectacle.

When not watching and covering sports, Hart enjoys long-distance running, playing video games, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

Know More

Edited by Danny Hart