WWE Hall of Famer John “Bradshaw” Layfield expressed his immense happiness for fellow Hall of Famer Teddy Long, who recently shared that he has found a new partner. On a recent episode of the Something to Wrestle podcast, JBL praised Long as a “wonderful human being” and shared a personal story that highlighted their close friendship.
The conversation began after co-host Conrad Thompson mentioned that Long had announced on his own podcast that he is now with a woman named Denise. This news comes after Long has faced significant personal hardships in recent years, including the passing of his wife of over 40 years, Tasha, in 2022, and the tragic loss of his son earlier this year.
A Heartwarming Reaction
JBL was audibly thrilled for his friend, speaking about him in glowing terms. “I am so happy for Teddy,” JBL said. “Teddy is a wonderful human being. He is a terrific man… I cannot tell you how much I love that guy. And I want the very best for him.”
JBL’s affection for Long was further demonstrated when he shared a humorous, behind-the-scenes story about the origin of Long’s dog’s name. Fans of Long’s podcast are familiar with his dog, Rufus, but JBL revealed where that name came from.
The Origin of “Mr. Rufus”
“We always called him Mr. Rufus. Teddy Rufus Long, me and Ron [Simmons] called him that,” JBL explained. “He named his dog Rufus because me and Ron always called him Teddy Rufus Long.” The story showcased the close bond between the members of the APA and the former SmackDown General Manager. JBL concluded by reiterating his joy for Long’s current situation. “I’m so happy he’s got this terrific lady… and he’s got this incredible Mr. Rufus, the lovely little dog that he sends me pictures of all the time, too,” he said.
