Teddy Long returned to WWE in a noteworthy way on Friday night.
On this week’s throwback episodes of WWE SmackDown, the former general manager returned during a chaotic brawl between Cesaro and Seth Rollins. Rather than booking one of his classic tag team matches, Long announced that he had been given the authority to inform Cesaro that if he defeated Rollins, he would earn a WWE Universal Championship Match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania Backlash.
HOLLA HOLLA HOLLA!! @teddyplayalong makes a HUGE announcement for the match between @WWERollins & @WWECesaro! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/y5pwiTkgKh
— WWE (@WWE) May 8, 2021
That’s exactly what Cesaro did. Much like at WWE WrestleMania 37, “The Swiss Cyborg” picked up a victory over Rollins after a hard-fought match. While Rollins’ technical excellence is unmatched, Cesaro’s incredible strength gave him the ultimate advantage.
With a potential #UniversalChampionship match at #WMBacklash on the line, @WWEUsos get involved in @WWERollins match with @WWECesaro! How will the Head of the Table @WWERomanReigns respond?! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/024TIT5Xin
— WWE (@WWE) May 8, 2021
Still, it took a decisive superkick from Jimmy Uso (after Rollins berated his brother, Jey) to help Cesaro clinch the victory.
NOT. A. FLUKE.
In quite possibly the biggest win of his career, @WWECesaro defeats @WWERollins to earn the right to challenge @WWERomanReigns for the #UniversalTitle at #WMBacklash! #SmackDown @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/BdKAc1wFaJ
— WWE (@WWE) May 8, 2021
