The definition might be open to interpretation, but retro makes regular comebacks in some shape or form. The WWE is no exception, with golden oldies being reintroduced every now and then.
While wrestlers deliver with their in-ring work, an underappreciated part of the whole package are non-wrestlers. Guys like Enzo Amore, Xavier Woods and Chris Jericho are rare blends – muscles and mouths. But the Harts, Heenans and Heymans are an endangered species. With the brand extension on the horizon, the inevitable question of a General Manager for SmackDown has popped up.
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The WWE seem to be building towards a sibling war, with both shows being the weapons of choice. Shane and Stephanie’s segments have been mildly entertaining and we’re not sure that putting either at the helm of each show is best for business.
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The WWE’s ability to knock surprises out of the park just shines in situations like this. Shane O’Mac’s and Rollins’ returns were strokes of brilliance. A surprise General Manager of SmackDown after weeks of teasing Stephanie and Shane’s contest of one-upmanship would be tough to beat. It has to be someone who can get a pop on the first note of their theme, but play heel when needed. So which names would we love to see?
5. Daniel Bryan
The goat’s natural magnetism to the fans makes him an obvious pick. He is so over with fans that he doesn’t need to be spectacular on the mic, just play into the crowd’s hands. The fact that he can still throw a few kicks and twist limbs if needed is an added bonus. What makes it a win-win is that Bryan wouldn’t have to leave the promised land he laboured for years and years to find, while also minimizing the risk of more head trauma by wrestling outside the WWE, where performers’ safety isn’t as high priority.
Kurt Angle
The legend has made no secret of the fact that he’s keen to return to the WWE, even stating plainly that he sees himself leading American Alpha. His fervor to walk through the titantron is such that he’s even suggested being signed to a contract like that of the Undertaker.
Angle doesn't need to establish his credentials and what’s more, he can elicit pops and boos at will, not to mention hit the occasional suplex.
Ric Flair
Naitch coming back in style after being cast out in disgrace by his daughter could be just the shot-in-the-arm the Women’s division needs. The WWE have to let the Hall Of Famer multi-task of course, but the WWE’s freshest division needs some patching up.
The Women’s Championship is rumored to remain intact and on one show, so perhaps even a cliffhanger for Charlotte to jump ship to RAW after being drafted to SmackDown could be manufactured.
Teddy Long
Not the most original choice, but the strongest credentials in the list. Six illustrious years in charge, versatile with old school swag to boot. The first African-American General Manager in the WWE is a genius with the mic, so the most important concern – working a crowd – is a non-issue. The only question mark is whether he can generate heat as well as he can win over the crowd.
Sting
Like he said back in April, baseball bat in hand, “I just want you to know this isn’t goodbye, it’s just ‘see you later’”. Sting electrified TNA audiences in his run as an unhinged boss and that’s exactly what the fans are crazy for at the moment.
But will the WWE swallow their pride and deign to replicate a much-smaller rival’s idea? To a guy whose WrestleMania moment had to take a backseat to a symbolic WWE one-up of WCW?
