WWE Hall of Famer and legendary General Manager Teddy Long has revealed the origin story of one of his most iconic catchphrases. Speaking on the Road Trip After Hours podcast, Long explained that his famous “One on one with The Undertaker!” call was directly inspired by advice he overheard from Vince McMahon.
Long recalled being backstage at Madison Square Garden when he saw Vince McMahon giving notes to his daughter, Stephanie. “Vince came out and he was talking to Stephanie… and he was telling everybody he wanted a little bit more emphasis on the name, you know, when she introduced him,” Long said. “And I just overheard it, you know. And I didn’t say a word, but I remembered it.”
Later that night, when it was his turn to introduce The Undertaker for a match, he decided to apply the advice he had just heard.
“So when I went out that night to introduce The Undertaker, that’s the first thing I remember. Vince wanted that, that high, you know, input. And so I said, ‘One on one with The Undertaker!’ you know,” he recounted. “And I come back by, and he [Vince] looks at me, and he just thumbs up. And I, you know, I keep right on walking. But I came over. I did that myself.”
The catchphrase became a signature part of his character as the long-running General Manager of SmackDown. Long continues to be a beloved figure in wrestling, making regular appearances at conventions and fan fests across the country where fans still greet him with his famous calls.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Road Trip After Hours with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.