5 WWE Superstars who became influential behind the scenes

Be it in WWE or any other promotion, it is quite common for a wrestler to transition into a backstage role once their careers in front of the camera have begun to wind up.

In a company with as high a production value as WWE, there are plenty of opportunities for an ex-wrestler to find a new lease of life backstage. In fact, there have been a few performers who made a bigger splash behind the scenes than between the ropes.

In this list, we will look at 5 WWE wrestlers who found levels of success backstage that rivaled or even surpassed their in-ring careers.

#5. Triple H: Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development of WWE and founder of NXT

Perhaps the most prominent example in recent memory, Triple H has always held a greater degree of backstage influence than most of his co-workers. Be it as a member of the Kliq or as Vince McMahon's son-in-law, The Game is as skilful behind the scenes as he was in front of the camera.

After years of being an influential in-ring figure, Triple H has decided to focus on molding a product for a new generation of wrestling fans. To say that his efforts have been met with universal acclaim is a gross understatement.

Personally responsible for the signings of top names like AJ Styles and Finn Balor as well as various home grown talent like Alexa Bliss, the Cerebral Assassin learned how to cultivate talent. This eventually earned him a top corporate job within the company.

The Cerebral Assassin also proved himself to be an expert booker. Turning NXT from a developmental system to one of the hottest products in wrestling, The Game had a winning formula. By mixing world-class signings from all around the world with performance center developed talent, he could bring out the best of both worlds.

Despite being one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, Triple H has been able to replicate his success behind the scenes since transitioning into a part time performer. Although health problems have put a stop to some of his plans, there is no doubt that upon his return he will get right back on his quest to achieve his ideal vision of WWE.

#4 Dusty Rhodes: The man who nurtured the future of WWE

An entire generation of WWE main events have owed their success to Dusty Rhodes. Known as an icon to fans and wrestlers alike, The American Dream has long since proven himself to be both a superstar in front of the camera and a mastermind behind it.

In the earliest days of NXT and the WWE Performance Center, many of WWE's newest signees fell under the personal supervision of Dusty Rhodes. Whether it be helping accomplished wrestlers from outside become accustomed to the WWE style or starting at the very basics with a complete newcomer, Rhodes kept a close watch on his trainees.

The American Dream helped the trainees develop their promo skills, improve their character work and gave feedback on their in-ring performances. More importantly, he had grown into a friend, mentor and father figure to these wrestlers who were lovingly dubbed his "NXT Kids".

When Rhodes passed away in 2015, the wrestling world was shaken to its core. It was not just the passing of a legend but loss of a devoted teacher and confidante. Since his passing, many of Dusty Rhodes' NXT Kids have gone on to rise to the very top of the industry.

#3.Matt Bloom: Head coach of the WWE Performance Center

For most who aspire to wrestle for WWE, their first point of entry would usually be the Performance Center. The man in charge of this state-of-the-art facility is Matt Bloom.

A tenured veteran of both WWE and the Japanese wrestling circuit, Bloom is known to fans as Albert, A-Train, Giant Bernard and Tensai among other names. Since retiring from the ring in 2014, the former Intercontinental Champion has worked to pass on his skills to the next generation of superstars.

As head coach, Bloom's job is to assess prospective rookies and ensure they are able to work to a serviceable level before being sent out to perform. He also works alongside current talent in order to help them hone their skills.

Under his watchful eye, many of his trainees have gone on to become stars on WWE's main roster. Among them include Omos, Liv Morgan and Baron Corbin. As busy as ever today, the former Hip Hop Hippo works alongside his fellow coaches to continue to groom a whole new crop of future stars.

#2. Gorilla Monsoon: One of WWE's earliest backstage leaders

When Vince McMahon began his takeover of the WWE in the 80s, he had no intention of sticking to the traditions set by his father. However, he did make one promise. He would look after the wrestlers who had been good to his father in the past. One of these wrestlers was Gorilla Monsoon.

Monsoon worked under the elder McMahon and became a shareholder in WWF. Having been loyal to his father and seeking to end his in-ring career, the wily veteran sold his shares in the company to Vince McMahon in exchange for a lifetime contract of employment.

Monsoon became one of WWE's greatest play-by-play commentators and was made their on-screen president in 1995. Although this was just a storyline title, the WWF "President" had considerable influence backstage over both the wrestlers and management.

Having worked alongside Vince's father, Monsoon served as a mentor and confidante to the chairman. He also made it a point to wait right behind the curtain after matches and give his feedback to the wrestlers. So revered was Gorilla Monsoon backstage that he was selected as the man who would run the company had Vince McMahon been convicted in the steroid trial of 1993.

Health problems forced the longtime fixture of WWE off the road in 1997 and he passed away two years later. Despite that, his legacy continues to live on in various ways. The title of WWF President was retired in honor of him and wrestler Santino Marella was named as a tribute to Monsoon whose real name was Robert James (Gino) Marella.

Perhaps Gorilla Monsoon's most enduring impact on the business is the place that is known today as the Gorilla Position. Named after Monsoon's habit of waiting just behind the curtain to critique wrestlers after their matches, the Gorilla Position is essentially the main production area of any wrestling show. It was a fitting tribute to a man who was held in such high regard by his peers.

#1. Pat Patterson: The greatest backstage mind in wrestling

To put it simply, WWE wouldn't be where it is today without Pat Patterson. An accomplished wrestler in his own right, Patterson is best known for being the first Intercontinental Champion and for his role in the 90s as one of Vince McMahon's stooges.

Behind the scenes, however, Pat was far different from the yes-man he played on screen. Patterson was Vince McMahon's right hand man for many years and was one of the few employees who had a close personal friendship with the chairman. This closeness allowed Patterson to advise, disagree with and even overrule McMahon on certain creative decisions.

For the wrestlers, Patterson's knowledge was invaluable. The likes of Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, John Cena, Steve Austin, The Undertaker and many other all-time greats were all personally mentored by Pat Patterson at some point.

Patterson was able to help the wrestlers and map out their entire match with them. He knew exactly what a wrestler should do to illicit a certain response from the audience and was a master of using the matches to tell a story. Due to this talent, he was widely sought out by the wrestlers. He was unafraid to push for a certain wrestler if he felt strongly enough about their talent.

The Hall of Famer is also responsible for creating many of WWE's most memorable moments, including but certainly not limited to the character of The Undertaker, various WrestleMania main-events and, of course, the Royal Rumble match.

Patterson's passing in 2019 not only marked the death of a brilliant and talented mind but also the loss of a constant presence behind the scenes. Many generations of wrestlers owe a lot to the wisdom of Pat Patterson and his contributions to the WWE can never be understated.