5 greatest authority figures in WWE history

#2 NXT Manager William Regal

William Regal is the current GM of WWE NXT and 205 Live

During his career as an active WWE superstar, William Regal was known for his villainous activities and his strong in-ring presence. He handled the position of General Manager of Raw, but it was not that regime, encompassing feuds with the likes of Triple H, that provided him with a spot on the list. Since his retirement, Regal has won unanimous praise over his portrayal of the General Manager of NXT.

Regal took on the role in 2014 and continues to hold the position to great effect. In a call-back to the presidential era, he commands the utmost respect of the roster and acts as a matchmaker without becoming an active part of the storylines. When he does become a part of the narrative, like his recent beatdown by Karrion Kross, the impact is enormous.

#1 WWE owner Vince McMahon

Vince McMahon became a key on-screen figure during the attitude era.

Remarkable is the fact that no one in WWE has been able to play the villainous authority role as brilliantly as the real boss of the promotion. Following the infamous Montreal Screwjob, Vince McMahon switched from the commentary booth to an active governing role, and WWE altered forever.

Becoming part of multiple extraordinary storylines, including one where he acted as the ultimate hurdle to Steve Austin, he became the definitive evil boss. He still acts as an authority figure to this date, although he rarely appears on television and when he does, it is as a more fan-friendly version of Mr. McMahon.

For over a year and a half, we have waited. This weekend, we once again welcome the @WWE Universe back! #SmackDown #MITB #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/Q1GGhLhqRD

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 15, 2021

WWE has often tried to replicate the narrative, with The Authority vs Daniel Bryan being the biggest great success story. However, the replication of Vince McMahon as an evil, cruel and demoralizing chief has been impossible. The prospect of a WWE authority figure surpassing the success of Vince McMahon? "No Chance In Hell."