WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long has given fans a rare inside look at Vince McMahons private 80th birthday celebration, clearing up weeks of speculation about who was there, what went down, and how McMahon looked during the milestone event.
Speaking on Sportskeedas WrestleBinge, Long explained that the two-night bash went down at Gotham Hall in New York City. He revealed that he was initially seated at a random table before staff quickly relocated him to a prime spot.
I just go and sit down at a table, and they come and get me, Long recalled. The lady says, You Teddy Long? I said, Yeah. She said, Well, youre at Vinces table.
According to Long, he and John Cena were the only talent seated directly with McMahon, underscoring the exclusivity of the arrangement. So only [people at] that table as far as talent was me, John Cena, Long noted.
He also shared a private moment he had with the former WWE boss. First thing he did say to me, said, It was so nice to see you. It is so good to see you. And I thanked him for everything that hes done for me.
Long addressed the rumors about McMahons health, making it clear that Vince seemed strong and in good spirits. He didnt look bad to me His face looked like it might have been a little swole or something like that, but he looked nice to me. Had on a nice suit both nights. Man. I mean, he was getting around, moving around, he looked great to me.
He also noticed McMahon slipping back into familiar territory. Vince had his headset on too. And it just reminded me of him at TVs, you know, walking around, doing his thing. I think it was great for him too, because he was like back at work, you know. He loves this.
As for the entertainment, Long cleared up speculation that AC/DC or Kid Rock had performed. Entertainment was Jelly Roll. Jelly Roll came out, he confirmed. Along with Jelly Roll, there was also a Brooklyn-based choir and an opera-style singer who kicked off the night.
On the family front, Long confirmed Shane McMahon was in attendance, as well as Triple H and Stephanie McMahons daughters, who performed a special birthday song for their grandfather. [Hunter] brought them up and had them sing happy birthday to him, Long said. But when asked if Stephanie herself was there, Long made it clear: No, Stephanie was not there.
The guest list was stacked, featuring WWE legends and current stars, including The Undertaker, Booker T, Jerry Lawler, Sgt. Slaughter, R-Truth, The Godfather, Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, and Bruce Prichard.
This star-studded gathering marked one of McMahons first big public celebrations since resigning from TKO Group Holdings earlier this year, following the lawsuit filed against him by former WWE employee Janel Grant. McMahon has denied all allegations.
Vince McMahons birthday celebration turned into both a family affair and a whos-who of WWE history, with Teddy Longs firsthand account setting the record straight.
Do you think Teddy Longs account of the night changes the perception of Vince McMahons current health and status? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
