5 best WWE female managers of the last decade

Some of the most powerful women in WWE first started their journey in the company as valets to particular wrestlers. There have also been instances where a female superstar has transitioned into the role of manager following ending their days competing in the ring.

The role of a valet/manager can be crucial for a superstar. Just take a look more recently at someone like Paul Heyman. He added a creative voice to Brock Lesnar for many years, and has recently assisted Roman Reigns in elevating to a whole new level.

That being said, let's take a look at the five best WWE female managers of the last decade.

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#5. Zelina Vega was Andrade's manager in WWE

Andrade and Zelina Vega were first paired together on NXT in June 2017. Under the management of Vega, Andrade went on to capture the NXT Championship.

It was a rocky start for Andrade under her guidance, as on the June 9, 2017 episode of NXT, Zelina slapped him and confronted him about his behavior. This began the pairing of the heel duo which dominated NXT for 10 months.

Before her time leading Andrade to the top of WWE's third brand, Vega was competing in the ring under the name Rosita for IMPACT Wrestling. She signed with WWE just prior to being paired up with Andrade.

In an interview with Busted Open Radio, Zelina Vega spoke about the importance of working with Andrade:

"He's helped me with -- we talked about psychology and picking your spots and making things make sense. Especially for my size. I thought at some points, 'Well, I can't do any power moves. How can I do this?' And he instantly comes up with, 'Ok, let's try this. Let's use this to your advantage. Let's not look at it as a disadvantage. Let's look at it as an advantage and how we can use it against people.'" Zelina Vega said (h/t The Sportster)

All credit has to go to Zelina Vega, coming in as a wrestler, to transition so quickly into the role of a valet. She came off as a natural, and Andrade really benefitted from her work.

For now, she's excelling in the ring on Monday Night RAW as Queen Zelina, but one day she may find herself back by the side of wrestler leading them to glory.

#4. Scarlett was Karrion Kross' valet in WWE

In WWE, Scarlett has a similar record to Zelina Vega, in guiding an NXT superstar to the top, winning the NXT Championship. Scarlett has been by Kross' side for a number of years, even before NXT. In fact, they are a couple outside the ring, so it made for a perfect match with chemistry already there.

Sadly, Scarlett didn't join Karrion Kross on the main roster when he was called-up. Many in the WWE Universe believe she would bring enormous value to him on RAW after their Fall and Pray run in NXT.

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#3. Maria Kanellis valeted in WWE

Maria Kanellis has had quite a career in pro-wrestling, and continues to make an impact on the independent scene. Maria joined WWE in 2004 after appearing in the Diva Search. Although the company had her play a ditzy character, she valeted a number of wrestlers, and even celebrities, on the roster during her tenure.

It was outside of WWE that Maria met Mike Bennett, and they formed a romantic relationship. Maria's time with Bennett is where she's had her most success being a valet. She began to manage him all over the world in NJPW and IMPACT Wrestling. Maria even managed him more recently during her final run with Vince McMahon's promotion.

#2. Maryse managed The Miz in WWE

After her two-reigns as WWE Divas Champion, Maryse became a valet on the main roster. In 2010, she managed Ted Dibiase Jr. getting her first taste of being a valet.

It came in handy for when she returned to the company in 2016, helping her now-husband, The Miz. She guided The Miz to Intercontinental Championship reigns and some high-profile feuds, including with John Cena at WrestleMania 33.

Although she's currently away from WWE at the moment, we're sure Maryse will return in the future to manage The Miz once again in some capacity.

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#1. Lana managed Rusev in WWE

By far the greatest valet of the last decade is Lana. Introduced in 2013 as The Ravishing Russian, she managed Rusev in a number of high profile feuds. The real-life couple really brought their A-game every week to WWE programming.

Although, initially putting on a fake Russian accent, she became one of the most popular characters, and elevated Rusev at every turn. She was his manager for three years, before venturing out on her own.

Looking back at Lana's time with the company, her greatest moments will no doubt be from when she was by Rusev's side.