From $25K Lunches to Nail Spots: The Changing Face of Pro Wrestling

WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long and host Mac Davis dive into the jaw-dropping economics of modern wrestling fandom, where WrestleMania week experiences now include $8,500 Hall of Fame packages and $25,000 lunches with John Cena. Though staggering, Teddy acknowledges "there's going to be somebody who's going to pay this," reflecting wrestling's transformation into premium entertainment.The conversation takes a serious turn examining the limits of on-screen violence after Jon Moxley was impaled by nails during a recent AEW match. Teddy expresses concern about extreme content on accessible television channels, noting "we have to be careful" with violence that might influence young viewers: "Let's don't add fuel to the fire."Pulling back the curtain on WWE's corporate culture, Teddy recounts his unforgettable "come-to-Jesus meeting" with Vince McMahon after ad-libbing during a Randy Orton introduction. When Vince asked, "You in business with yourself out there?" Teddy learned a permanent lesson about McMahon's no-nonsense approach to his billion-dollar operation. These stories paint a vivid picture of an intimidating workplace where many were "terrified" to approach the boss.From his days as Ric Flair's chauffeur to an outrageous story involving Randy Savage and an unfortunate drug dealer, Teddy's unfiltered tales provide rare glimpses into wrestling's colorful past. The episode closes with discussion of wrestling's greatest managers and why the tag team Doom deserves WWE Hall of Fame recognition.Join Teddy Long and Mac Davis at SICW Fan Fest 3 in St. Louis on May 16-17th. Visit SICW.org to learn more about meeting your favorite wrestling legends in person!Send us Fan Mail