5 Superstars who could replace Daniel Bryan as SmackDown Live GM

When you first glance upon Daniel Bryan, in his casual shirt with his nonchalant attitude, it is easy to forget that in addition to being the SmackDown Live General Manager right now, he's also one of the best professional wrestlers that's ever lived.

A lifelong student of the game, Bryan's run was cut short owing to a string of concussion-related injuries that he has sustained over his career. Even though he's just an on-screen authority figure at the moment, he still gets the biggest pop on a near weekly basis on SmackDown Live.

When his contract does expire, rumours abound that Bryan may be bound for Japan or elsewhere in the independent circuit, where concussion-related laws aren't as stringent. If he were to step away from the company, who could take his place instead?

We pick five worthy contenders and bring them to you, in this very countdown.

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#5 Nikki Bella

Maybe Daniel Bryan wants to keep it in the family!

We believe that until recently, rumours were rampant that John Cena's better half would be replacing her brother-in-law as the General Manager of SmackDown Live. Nikki Bella is seen as a mentor backstage among the newer lot of female WWE superstars, and has a crossover appeal because of her appearance on shows such as Total Divas.

She would not be a bad replacement for Daniel Bryan considering that she's fairly competent on the microphone, and her on-stage storylines could then spill over to Total Divas and Total Bellas as well. This would enhance every single show in the process.

However, we have only listed her because of the rumours that speculated that she would be chosen for this coveted spot. We believe that the next four contenders could be far more worthy.

Unfortunately, we doubt that Nikki Bella would get the same kind of reaction that Daniel Bryan does, every time he steps out to announce matches for the blue brand.

#4 Hulk Hogan

Could Hulkamania run wild all over brand blue?

Hulk Hogan may be the most popular sports entertainment of all time, but he has an estranged relationship with WWE because of certain remarks he'd made. Time heals all wounds, and we wouldn't be surprised to see The Hulkster back in the company soon.

One of the ways to keep him on screen may be as an authority figure. We all remember Hogan from his run in TNA. He made quite a decent authority figure on screen, considering there's hardly anyone who can match him in terms of microphone skills.

Hogan could bring mainstream appeal to SmackDown Live, a show that is desperately lacking in legitimate stars. A lot of the younger talent could benefit from just being around him.

If Daniel Bryan were to leave, WWE would want a replacement who is a household name to get the same reactions that he did. Who better than the greatest of all time? Whatchoo gonna do, when the General Manager runs wild on you? Say your prayers and eat your vitamins...

#3 Theodore Long

A familiar face can often do wonders

Theodore Long, is in many ways, a living embodiment of the SmackDown Live brand. He was the General Manager of the blue brand for much of his tenure with the company. This year, he was even inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Nobody has better comic timing or delivery as Teddy Long.

Long may not be a megastar like the other names in the list, but it can be argued that he's been the best SmackDown General Manager in history. In some ways, he could add value to the show like nobody in this list can.

#2 Shawn Michaels

The Heart Break Kid could be a great General Manager

Shawn Michaels has made it clear time and again, that he will never step into the ring again as a wrestler, having retired for good. However, he is associated with NXT at the moment, helping the youngsters in the Performance Center, go to the next level.

Could this Hall of Famer return for a run as an Authority Figure, after his own student leaves? Yes, bear in mind that Daniel Bryan was a student of Shawn Michaels when he started out. Teacher replacing student would be a pretty cool storyline, if booked correctly by those in creative.

Michaels is one of the greatest of all time, and can command the same crowd reactions as Daniel Bryan can. He certainly could be a very worthy replacement for Bryan.

#1 The Undertaker

And it doesn't have to be The Dead Man

It is often easy to forget that The Undertaker wasn't always a cloaked druid, but at the height of the Attitude Era, also played a 'biker' gimmick. How cool would it be to see him return in this avatar for another run?

Having seemingly retired from the ring for good this past WrestleMania, this may be a great way to continue his legacy. After all, nobody can let go of the wrestling bug, once it bites him/her. Also, we've seen him break character quite often these days, most recently in the Goldberg '24' documentary special.

Nobody in WWE history commands the same kind of respect like The Undertaker. It would also give him a chance to guide and hone the skills of all the youngsters, in the SmackDown Live locker room.

What do you think of this list? Do you want to suggest any other worthy contenders for Daniel Bryan's spot? Let us know in the comments below. Also please check out our list of potential replacements for Kurt Angle's position too.