Wrestling legends Reflect: Apter & Long Share Stories of Respect, Frustration, and Golden Eras
Veteran wrestling personalities Bill Apter and Teddy Long recently sat down for a revealing conversation on the Road Trip After Hours podcast, offering a unique glimpse into decades spent behind the scenes. They didn’t shy away from naming those who impressed – and disappointed – them during their storied careers. Their insights provide a interesting look at the evolution of professional wrestling and the characters who shaped it.
Bruno & Beyond: Apter’s Hall of Fame & Hardships
For Bill Apter, the choice for the “best” was immediate. He unequivocally named Bruno Sammartino, praising him as “the consummate gentleman and athlete in every way.” Apter emphasized Sammartino’s unwavering class and professionalism, qualities he clearly valued.
Though, not all encounters were positive.Apter recalled difficult interactions with promoter Phil Zacko during the Vince McMahon Sr. era. Zacko actively tried to limit magazine access to major events, creating obstacles for Apter’s work. fortunately, interventions from wrestling icons Lou Albano and Fred Blassie often allowed Apter to continue covering the action.
Vince McMahon & The SmackDown Family: Long’s Inner Circle
Teddy Long’s pick for the best person he worked with was Vince McMahon. He highlighted the trust and unprecedented access McMahon granted him during his tenure as smackdown General Manager. Long described exclusive meetings - often just himself, McMahon, and another top star – as a testament to that confidence.
Beyond McMahon, Long fondly remembered several colleagues. He specifically called out JBL, Ron Simmons, The Godfather, and The Rock as individuals he genuinely enjoyed collaborating with. “JBL,real good guy.Had so much fun with John,” Long shared, adding that he and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson created lasting memories together.
Unnamed Grievances & A Decade of Resilience
When asked about the “worst” experiences, Long skillfully sidestepped naming names. He alluded to past frustrations, hinting at unresolved issues but choosing to remain diplomatic.”Some of the people that were bad, I ain’t gonna call no names,” he stated.
Despite these challenges, Long proudly pointed to his nearly decade-long run as SmackDown GM as proof of his professionalism and dedication. He believes his longevity speaks volumes about his ability to navigate the industry’s complexities. “If I stayed and ran Vince McMahon’s company for nine years,I was doing my job,” he asserted.
A Nostalgic Return to the NWA Territories
Looking back, Long expressed a strong desire to relive his early days in the NWA territory system.He described the sheer excitement of being involved in the wrestling business at its core. Even the physical labor of setting up and taking down the ring felt like a dream come true.
Long fondly remembered learning from experienced crews and recounted a particularly special moment: counting the pinfall in the legendary ricky Steamboat vs. Ric Flair match. He described it as one of the highlights of his career, a testament to the magic of that era.
Key Takeaways for Wrestling Fans:
* Respect matters: Both Apter and long consistently emphasized the importance of professionalism and respect within the industry.
* Vince McMahon’s Influence: McMahon’s willingness to trust and empower talent, particularly Long, was a recurring theme.
* the Golden Age of Territories: Long’s nostalgia for the NWA system highlights a bygone era of wrestling’s regional roots.
* Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics: The podcast offers a rare glimpse into the personal relationships and challenges faced by those working in professional wrestling.
This conversation provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the history and inner workings of professional wrestling. It’s a reminder that behind the larger-than-life characters and dramatic storylines, there are real people with compelling stories to tell.
