WWE fans everywhere know the iconic line: “One-on-one with The Undertaker!” But how did this catchphrase come to be? The answer lies with Teddy Long, former SmackDown General Manager.
Inspired by Vince McMahon’s Coaching Tip
Back in the mid-2000s, The Undertaker was a major star on SmackDown, and Teddy Long was the beloved GM. Whenever Long scheduled a match between The Undertaker and another wrestler, he’d announce it with a special emphasis. This catchy phrase, “One-on-One with The Undertaker,” became a huge hit with fans.
Recently, Teddy Long explained the origin of his famous announcement. He was backstage at a show when he overheard Vince McMahon coaching his daughter Stephanie. McMahon was telling Stephanie to put more emphasis on introducing wrestlers.
“That’s how I learned to do that,” Long said. He took McMahon’s advice and applied it to his own introduction of The Undertaker, creating a legendary catchphrase.
While Teddy Long doesn’t appear on WWE TV much anymore, and The Undertaker is retired, their “One-on-One” announcement remains a favorite among fans. It’s a reminder of a fun and creative era in WWE history.
