Teddy Long to Be Inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017

WWE announced Monday that Teddy Long is the newest member of the company's 2017 Hall of Fame class.

Long said of Monday's news in an interview with FoxSports.com's Nick Schwartz:

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Well, I was really surprised, you know? I had thought about being inducted into the Hall of Fame and I thought 'Well, if they're going to do that, I'm pretty sure my time will come one day.' And that's what did happen. I was real excited. It's such an honor to be a part of something like this. To go into the 2017 WWE Hall of Fame… man, it's just great. It don't get no better than that."

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Former WWE announcer Jim Ross shared his reaction to the announcement:

Over his three decades in the wrestling business, Long has served a variety of roles, including referee, manager and the general manager of SmackDown. 

He was front and center in one of the greatest matches of the 1980s, when he counted the pinfall for Ricky Steamboat's victory over Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Chi-Town Rumble in February 1989.

A little over a year later, Long managed Butch Reed and WWE Hall of Famer Ron Simmons to a tag team title win at Capital Combat in May 1990:

Most WWE fans will remember Long most fondly for his time in charge of SmackDown from 2008 to 2012. His affinity for tag team wrestling became one of the enduring tropes of the show, which is still remembered long after his departure.

WWE acknowledged the joke last June when Long returned and proposed a tag team match in order to make his case to become SmackDown Live's general manager:

Long's longevity in pro wrestling, as well as his versatility, speak to his passion and skill for the sport.

Long is a more than worthy addition to this year's Hall of Fame class, joining Kurt Angle and The Rock 'n' Roll Express.