WWE Hall of Famer argues Vince McMahon didn't rub talents the wrong way after Mercedes Mone's recent comments (Exclusive)
Mercedes Mone recently turned heads when the AEW star revealed that she sometimes did not like how Vince McMahon spoke to her in the WWE. Reacting to her comments, Teddy Long recalled his experience working with the former wrestling booker.
As things stand, Vince McMahon's career as an executive in pro wrestling is over amid mounting legal issues. The recent Netflix docuseries on his life brought him back into the public spotlight, and Mercedes Mone was asked about her WWE exit while promoting a recent AEW show.
Mone claimed Vince McMahon talked down to her, and her problems with the then-chairman were among the reasons she left the company.
During the latest episode of The Wrestling Time Machine, Teddy Long said that Vince McMahon would never lash out at anybody without a big enough reason. Long said McMahon was a businessman who always ensured no mistakes were made.
The WWE Hall of Famer explained:
"I wouldn't say he would rub people wrong. Vince, to me, is a businessman. This is what I learned from him. And I've said this a million times, this man had a billion-dollar operation. One thing can crash everything and bring the whole thing down, and one thing about Vince. Vince was prompt. He needed you on time, he wanted the stuff done, and he wanted it done right." [00:59 - 1:25]
As noted earlier, Teddy Long felt Mercedes Mone might have been pampered in WWE.
Long delved deeper into the backstage dynamics, especially the relationship between talent and agent. The wrestling veteran said WWE stars are often in for a surprise whenever Vince McMahon confronts them after a mistake.
"So, if some talent, men and women, like to be pampered, and then they have been pampered in other places, and sometimes, the agents get a little soft too, and they go to pamper the talent. Well, if they have been pampered by the agent, and you go mess up and meet Vince, Vince isn't going to pamper you." [1:26 - 1:45]
Teddy Long on getting praise from Vince McMahon
The former on-screen General Manager joined WWE in 1998 and worked as a referee before moving on to more prominent TV roles.
Teddy Long had many interactions with Vince McMahon and personally also saw him deal with the roster members. Long said that getting McMahon to appreciate your work is the best-case scenario for any talent.
The 77-year-old believed Mr. McMahon would never lie to the superstars and would bluntly give his opinions during and after shows.
"The best thing in the world you can get from Vince is a compliment, 'Great job out there.' When he gives you a compliment, you ain't got to worry; he isn't lying to you. He is telling you the truth because he doesn't do that. He just won't blow smoke up your a**." [From 1:50 onwards]
Everyone had their memories of working with Vince McMahon, and while Teddy Long was once scolded by the former WWE boss over a Randy Orton incident, the legendary manager otherwise had a cordial relationship with him.
When using quotes from this article, please give a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.