Since becoming SmackDown General Manager in July 2004, Theodore Long has put countless Superstars in their place, made historic decisions and, most importantly, always acted in the best interest of the fans as a prudent leader in some very chaotic times on SmackDown
Long's job has been made even more challenging in recent times with John Bradshaw Layfield’s attempts to intimidate and influence the decision making process. Further, Carlito organized a petition in an attempt to get Long fired. However, Linda McMahon and the WWE Board of Directors gave Long a vote of confidence and told him to keep up the good work.
However, it was during the 2005 Draft Lottery that Long’s leadership abilities were truly tested when WWE Champion John Cena was selected to go to RAW as the first pick leaving SmackDown without a champion.
Over the course of the next several weeks, Long stood strong and made the appropriate calls including holding a 6-man elimination match to determine the new champion of SmackDown pending the end of the 2005 Draft Lottery, which John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) won. Fortunately, just as JBL was celebrating Long proved how big of a deal maker he was when he announced that the need for a new SmackDown! champion was no longer necessary as he had selected the final draftee as part of the 2005 Draft Lottery – World Heavyweight Champion Batista!
Since becoming SmackDown General Manager in July 2004, Theodore Long has put countless Superstars in their place, made historic decisions and, most importantly, always acted in the best interest of the fans as a prudent leader in some very chaotic times on SmackDown
