"Why are you doing that?" – The Undertaker's backstage critiques revealed by WWE legend (Exclusive)

The Undertaker had already cemented his status as a locker-room leader by the time Teddy Long arrived in WWE in 1998. Long, a legendary former referee and on-screen authority figure, recently reflected on how The Deadman behaved backstage.

Up-and-coming WWE talents often receive advice from veteran wrestlers. On a recent Six Feet Under w/Mark Calaway podcast episode, The Undertaker said he once slapped The Big Show when the then-rookie failed to listen.

Long told Sportskeeda's The Wrestling Time Machine host Mac Davis that the WWE icon wanted to help the younger generation:

"'Taker would always [say something] when guys did stuff that really wasn't called for or you shouldn't even be doing it. 'Taker would always go up and let them know, 'Why are you doing that? You shouldn't be doing that.' He was always the guy that would go out to the ring, he would sit there, and he would watch matches. When he saw something wrong, he would get up and go and talk to the guys and help them out. He's always done that." [6:25 – 6:47]

Watch the video above to hear Long reveal his honest thoughts on Xavier Woods' in-ring performances.

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Teddy Long on how The Undertaker's approach might not work today

Having been in the wrestling industry since the 1980s, Teddy Long has witnessed significant changes in how wrestlers are treated.

The 77-year-old added that The Undertaker's no-nonsense style of constructive criticism might not be well received by today's talents:

"You did that back in the day [to] get ready for it, you're gonna get chewed out, you know what I mean?" Long continued. "But you just can't do that now to some of the young talent 'cause you start cussing at them, sometimes that puts fear in them, they're scared of you, and then some of them ain't gonna let you talk to them like that." [8:55 – 9:13]

Long also told a backstage story involving Carmelo Hayes and Ron Simmons from a recent SmackDown episode.

What are your thoughts on Teddy Long's comments? Hit the discuss button and let us know.

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