WWE Smackdown: Teddy Long Has Been Very Underrated

It never ceases to amaze me at how much credit certain WWE talent get for doing a nice job, while others get next to none for doing great as well.

Such a shame...

Today, I want to focus on Teddy Long. You know, the Smackdown General Manager? You know, the man who has been in a featured role since 2004, yet rarely gets mentioned? You know, a very gifted performer in this industry?

Yes, I am kicking off 2012 with a "Teddy Long Appreciation" article. Who would have guessed?

His reign as Smackdown General Manager started in the summer of 2004, and I thought it was a welcome surprise.

He was not my first choice, but anything was better than him helping Rodney Mack on Raw. I do not even want to mention his time with Mark Jindrak. I did enjoy his time with Mark Henry though (shocking!).

The fact is WWE tried with him as a manager, but it just did not work out.

Now he is the man in charge of the Blue Brand, and he has done a nice job for over seven years now. Yes, his runs were shortened here and there. Yes, Vickie took over for awhile. None of that matters here. Teddy Long has been associated with Smackdown since 2004.

My only question is why he doesn't get any credit for his amazing work...

Is he boring? No. He is one of the few authority figures who tries to call it right down the middle. Yes, he is a face, but his decision making is often favored for each face and heel side.

Can he talk? Yes, he can. When he is cutting a promo or making a match, I can feel it. I am interested in what he is saying.

Any problems with management? As far as I know, everybody likes him. He causes no issues backstage, and Teddy is a model WWE talent. Spin it any way you want, but (backstage) politics are huge in life.

Finally, is he doing his job well? Yes! As I have touched on, the man is great to watch. Whether he is dancing, talking with Aksana or even interacting with Drew McIntyre, he is entertaining.

In conclusion, give the man his due. You do not have to love him. You do not have to cheer him wildly every week, but respect his work in WWE. He deserves it!

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