The wrestling community has been struck with sorrow following the heartbreaking news of the passing of Antione Long, son of WWE Hall of Famer and former SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long. The tragic update emerged over the weekend of July 5-6, 2025, when friends and family took to social media to share their grief and memories of Antione, who, while not directly involved in the wrestling business, was deeply connected through his father’s legacy.
Antione Long was known to be a private individual, much like the rest of the Long family, who have always maintained a low profile away from the public eye. Despite this privacy, Antione remained active on social media until just days before his passing. On July 3, 2025, he shared a photo from a Planet Fitness location, a small glimpse into his life that now holds poignant significance for those mourning his loss.
Specific details surrounding Antione’s death—including his age and cause of death—have not been disclosed, and the Long family has yet to issue an official statement. The silence on these details has done little to dampen the outpouring of sympathy and support from fans, friends, and the wrestling community at large. Numerous heartfelt tributes have been posted online, reflecting how deeply Antione was loved and how much his loss is felt.
Among those offering condolences was Mac Davis, a regular voice in wrestling journalism and a co-host on the "Sportskeeda WrestleBinge" podcast, where Teddy Long frequently appears. On X (formerly Twitter), Davis wrote, "Love and prayers to @teddyplayalong and the rest of the family. I always called Antione Long 'Little Teddy.' The news was unexpected. Please keep Teddy and the family in your prayers. No parent should ever have to lose one of their kids." This message encapsulates the shock and sorrow that has rippled through the wrestling world since the news broke.
The timing of this loss is especially poignant given Teddy Long’s recent personal tragedies. Just a few years prior, in 2022, the wrestling world also mourned the death of Kevin Nash’s son, Tristen, who passed away after a seizure led to cardiac arrest. Interestingly, Tristen, like Antione, was not directly involved in wrestling but had ties to the industry through his work on Nash’s "Kliq This" podcast. Adding to Teddy Long’s recent hardships, he revealed that his wife, Tasha, passed away after 40 years of marriage, just one month before Tristen’s death. These events underscore the profound personal challenges Long has faced beyond the ring.
Despite the personal pain, Teddy Long remains a respected figure in wrestling, known for his charismatic presence and influential role as SmackDown’s general manager. His contributions to WWE have earned him a place in the Hall of Fame, and his impact on the industry is undeniable. The loss of his son has brought a somber note to his public persona, reminding fans and colleagues alike of the human stories behind the spotlight.
While it is currently unknown whether Long will take time away from his ongoing appearances on "Sportskeeda WrestleBinge" to grieve, the wrestling community continues to rally around him and his family. The wave of support highlights the close-knit nature of the wrestling world, where personal and professional lives often intertwine.
Antione’s passing has also sparked reflection on the importance of privacy and respect for families during times of grief. The Long family’s choice to withhold many details emphasizes their desire to mourn away from the public eye, a request that many fans and media outlets have honored.
As the wrestling community processes this loss, the memories of Antione Long live on through the stories shared by those who knew him and the legacy of his father. The outpouring of condolences, from social media tributes to heartfelt messages from wrestling personalities, underscores the deep affection felt for the Long family.
In the coming days and weeks, more information may emerge, but for now, the focus remains on honoring Antione’s memory and supporting Teddy Long during this incredibly difficult time. Wrestling fans, colleagues, and friends alike are reminded that behind every legend is a family, and behind every public figure is a deeply personal story.
As the community mourns, the hope is that Teddy Long and his family find solace amid the overwhelming expressions of love and sympathy. The wrestling world, known for its larger-than-life characters, now stands united in a moment of quiet reflection and shared humanity.
