Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering WWE
WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long recently shared his insights on why certain fan favorite tag teams, despite their popularity, have not secured title runs in WWE. Drawing from his extensive experience as a former SmackDown General Manager and tag team manager, Long explained that the decision making process is multifaceted, involving audience engagement, merchandise sales, and storyline direction. He elaborated that WWE considers how a championship run can influence ticket sales, ratings, and live event attendance. Additionally, Long emphasized that creative teams often prioritize unpredictability and drama in their storytelling, which can result in delaying or denying a title run for teams that fans expect to see win.
Long also stressed the critical role of character development and in ring performance in determining a team’s readiness for championship opportunities. He explained that tag teams need to demonstrate consistency in delivering compelling performances and showcasing strong chemistry, both with each other and with their opponents. Teams like The Usos or The New Day set the bar with their ability to captivate audiences while maintaining high in ring standards. Long pointed out that a lack of character depth or alignment with the overarching storyline themes could hinder even the most talented teams from advancing. Additionally, backstage politics and relationships with management might also play a subtle but influential role in such decisions.
Furthermore, Long highlighted the competitive nature of WWE's tag team division, where many deserving teams vie for limited championship spots. He noted that timing is crucial; a team may need to wait for the right moment when their push aligns with the company's broader plans for other talent or events, such as WrestleMania or SummerSlam. Long drew attention to examples from history, like when Edge and Christian waited for the perfect opportunity to claim the spotlight during the Attitude Era. He also mentioned that injuries or shifts in fan reactions can dramatically alter plans, adding layers of complexity to why some teams miss out on title runs. His insights provide fans with a deeper understanding of the business side of WWE and the intricate strategies behind crafting memorable moments in the tag team division.
