5 people who could realistically replace Daniel Bryan as SmackDown Live GM

If this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown Live was anything to go by, it looks like the management structure on the blue brand will receive a huge shake-up after WrestleMania 34.

It has been confirmed that Shane McMahon, the SmackDown Commissioner, has taken a “leave of absence” from the role, while it would be a major surprise if the recently cleared Daniel Bryan continues in his General Manager position for much longer.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at five people who could realistically replace Bryan as SmackDown GM after this year’s “Show of Shows”.

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#5 Paul Heyman

Paul Heyman is one of WWE's best talkers

Brock Lesnar’s WWE contract expires in 2018 and it is widely expected that the Universal champion will swap the squared circle for the octagon and make another return to UFC later in the year.

If that happens, WWE will surely still want Paul Heyman, Lesnar’s advocate, to stick around in some capacity, with many fans predicting that he could end up being a mouthpiece for Ronda Rousey.

Another option is for Heyman to become the SmackDown GM – an on-screen position that he previously held between October 2003 and March 2004 before he was drafted to Raw.

Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon have been a popular babyface management duo but, let’s be honest, the best authority figures are heels, and Heyman would be a sensational heel GM for SmackDown!

#4 Paige

WWE still hasn't cleared Paige to wrestle

While everybody hopes that Paige will be cleared again by WWE soon, just like Daniel Bryan was earlier this week, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that the Absolution leader will return to the squared circle in the near future.

She hasn’t competed in a WWE ring since sustaining a worrying injury at a live event in December 2017 and it was reported by PW Insider in January 2018 that she is officially “done” as an in-ring performer.

It has since been reported that WWE is looking at different roles for Paige, so why not make her the SmackDown GM? She’s good on the mic and has plenty of fan support, so there’s no doubt she’d do a great job.

Besides, it feels like a waste right now having her accompany Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville to ringside when everybody knows she can’t get involved in any physical altercations.

#3 Nikki Bella

Nikki Bella's last televised match was the 2018 Royal Rumble

John Cena and Nikki Bella always seem to have so much going on outside of WWE, so it seems extremely unlikely that Nikki would even have the time to appear on SmackDown Live every week as GM.

The only reason we’re speculating that the former Divas champion could replace Daniel Bryan is because she campaigned for the role on an episode of Total Divas in 2017 when her brother-in-law took some time off following the birth of his daughter.

That said, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to make Nikki the on-screen authority figure on Tuesday nights. Her promos have significantly improved over the last few years and it would make sense storyline-wise if Bryan passed the responsibility to another member of his family.

#2 Lana

Lana was first introduced to WWE fans as Rusev's manager

Between 2014 and 2016, Lana became one of the most popular female personalities in WWE, despite being the manager of anti-American Rusev.

However, since “The Ravishing Russian” swapped the business suit for the wrestling gear, she has struggled to find much television time on SmackDown Live and it’s easy to forget sometimes that she’s even a member of the blue brand’s women’s division.

In fairness to Lana, she has produced better performances in her 11 televised matches than most fans probably expected, but it’s safe to say that her biggest strengths are on the mic and as a manager (or, in this case, a General Manager).

Also, can you imagine Lana as SmackDown GM with Rusev on the same brand? Now that would be a Happy Rusev Day.

#1 Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan is in talks with WWE

Hulk Hogan was fired by WWE in July 2015 after audio emerged of him using racist language. At the time, it looked like he would be gone from the company forever. However, as more time goes by, it seems more likely that he’ll return.

The latest indication came from a PW Insider report which included a statement from WWE confirming that talks had been held between the two parties.

If “The Hulkster” is going to return anytime in 2018, then it will surely be after WrestleMania – a time when WWE notoriously brings in big names to keep fans around after their biggest show of the year.

Names don’t get much bigger than Hogan, but would he really be suited to a SmackDown GM role? Maybe we’ll see for ourselves after ‘Mania, brother.