44 WWE Personalities Who Mastered The Art Of Management

Who Were Behind The Superstars?

Champions don't rise to the top alone. While superstars throw punches and chase gold, there's often a mastermind pulling the strings from ringside. These managers and ringside figures shaped careers and stirred controversy into unforgettable spectacles.

Intro

Arnold Skaaland

Skaaland was a key member in the WWE's early days. He was a manager and was also involved backstage. He managed Bruno Sammartino during his second reign as WWWF Champion and later Bob Backlund to a nearly six-year reign as champion from 1978 to 1983.

Arnold Skaaland Arnold Skaaland WWE Hall of Fame Induction Speech [1994] by leocardosobr

"Classy" Freddie Blassie

As a manager, Freddie guided The Iron Sheik to the WWE Championship in 1983 and Nikolai Volkoff and The Sheik to the WWE Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania I. His experience in the ring made him a great manager, and it even earned him nicknames like "The Vampire".

"Classy" Freddie Blassie Ben Strong Wrestling, Wikimedia Commons

The Grand Wizard

A villainy reputation earned Ernie Roth his name. In the early days, he was one of the most enigmatic characters in the WWE. He guided "Superstar" Billy Graham to the WWE Championship in 1977. Later, he managed Don Muraco to two reigns as WWE Intercontinental Champion.

The Grand Wizard Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons

Captain Lou Albano

Taking 15 tag teams to a championship gold isn't easy. However, the captain proved everyone wrong when he set this record at the time. His most notable proteges included The Wild Samoans, The British Bulldogs, The Moondogs, and The Valiant Brothers. He was known for unpredictable ringside antics.

Captain Lou Albano Carrie Kirk, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Mr Fuji

Harry Fujiwara, a five-time Tag Team champion, was destined to become a great manager. His famous trick? Salt-throwing gave clients the edge they needed to win. He led Demolition to tag team gold and guided Yokozuna to the WWE Championship at WrestleMania IX.

Mr Fuji DianesDigitals, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Jimmy Hart

A megaphone and a personality to die for made Hart who he is. People called him "The Mouth of the South" as he led The Honky Tonk Man during his record-setting Intercontinental Championship reign. He had many other accomplishments, including being added to the Hall of Fame in 2005.

Jimmy Hart Miguel Discart, CC BY-SA 2.0 , Wikimedia Commons

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan

If one needed a cunning strategy or a ringside interference, Heenan was the man. In fact, he made stars like Rick Rude, Mr Perfect, and Harley Race. He built the Heenan family, which is one of WWE's most dominant factions. He remains a love-hate figure in the sport.

Bobby John McKeon from Lawrence, KS, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Slick

Slick earned his place in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016, a fitting honor for one of wrestling's most charismatic managers. Dubbed "The Doctor of Style," he brought swagger and attitude to WWE and guided The Twin Towers and The One Man Gang while keeping fans riled up with his slick-talking antics.

Slick John McKeon, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sensational Sherri

Back in the day, we didn't often hear about women in the WWE. However, Sherri's fierceness was hard to ignore. She managed stars like "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Shawn Michaels, and Ted DiBiase. Not to mention how her presence made her one of WWE's famed women forever.

Sensational Sherri John Barrett, Wikimedia Commons

Brother Love

Brother Love was WWE's smooth-talking, red-faced preacher who oozed fake sincerity with his infamous "I love you!" catchphrase. A master of theatrics, he introduced The Undertaker at Survivor Series 1990. His over-the-top sermons made him impossible to ignore and even harder to forget.

Brother Love Paul Bearer makes his debut on The Brother Love Show by by WWE

Harvey Wippleman

This guy was known for his sneaky managerial tactic and guided Sid Justice and Kamala, using distractions to tilt matches in his client's favor. His most notable moment came when he became the first (and only) man to hold the WWE Women's Championship which added to his unusual legacy.

Harvey Wippleman Harvey Wippleman appears with Big Bully Busick: Superstars, Aug. 31, 1991 by WWE

Luna Vachon

The WWE has had many people, but Luna was a force of nature. She had a mohawk and unhinged energy, which she used to lead Bam Bam Bigelow into a high-profile WrestleMania match against Doink and Dink. Later, she aligned with Goldust during his bizarre "Artist Formerly Known As" phase.

Luna Vachon Paparazzo Presents, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ted DiBiase ("Million Dollar Man")

People don't often come into the WWE with money, but this man did. Ted DiBiase came into the scene and formed The Million Dollar Corporation to dominate WWE in the mid-'90s. Tatanka, King Kong Bundy, and Sid worked under Ted, where he used money in exchange for favorable outcomes.

Ted DiBiase ( Megan Elice Meadows, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Paul Bearer

Paul Bearer was the eerie, pale-faced manager who made The Undertaker even more terrifying. Clutching his mystical urn, he spoke in a ghostly, high-pitched wail that sent chills through arenas. Later, he orchestrated the arrival of Kane and managed Mankind, who is still one of WWE's most haunting figures.

WWE Facts Flickr

Jim Cornette

Jim Cornette was as loud as he was cunning, using his sharp wit and signature tennis racket to keep his clients on top. He built The Camp Cornette stable, which dominated WWE in the mid-'90s. Not to mention, Yokozuna, Owen Hart, and Vader all worked under his belt.

Jim Cornette Steve Wright Jr. from Conway, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Clarence Mason

Who would an attorney be if he couldn't do smooth talk? Mason was not only that but used legal loopholes to shield his clients. First aligning with Camp Cornette, he later became the legal mastermind behind The Nation of Domination and helped them evade consequences and gain advantages.

Clarence Mason Clarence Mason Interview by THE BOB SHOW

Sunny

A breakout mainstream sensation, she became one of WWE's most downloaded personalities of the late '90s. Sunny was WWE's first true "Diva," who blended charisma and beauty to redefine her role. She led The Bodydonnas to WWE Tag Team gold before managing The Smoking Gunns and LOD 2000.

Sunny shstrng, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Marlena (Terri Runnels)

Marlena was portrayed by Terri Runnels. She brought mystery to Goldust's persona by clutching her signature cigar. Unlike her coworkers, her strategy was more of the mind. Later, she took on a more active role, managing Val Venis, The Hardy Boyz, and Perry Saturn during WWE's Attitude Era.

Marlena (Terri Runnels) Rob DiCaterino, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Debra McMichael

Mind games and charm made Debra McMichael a dangerous asset at ringside. Managing Jeff Jarrett and Owen Hart, she masterfully distracted referees and opponents to tilt matches in their favor. Her signature business suits and infamous "puppies" catchphrase made her one of WWE's most memorable valets of the Attitude Era.

Debraw marshall Wwe-debrafan, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Paul Heyman

Not many were as bold as this one. Promos, psychological warfare, strategic brilliance, you name it, he had it. As the advocate for Brock Lesnar, he guided him to world titles, including ending Undertaker's WrestleMania streak. His work with CM Punk fueled the longest WWE Championship reign.

Paul Heyman Miguel Discart, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Stephanie McMahon

Triple H and Kurt Angle were only two out of many names Stephanie managed in her time. She was one of the most important people in The Authority, carefully instigating and planning feuds. Beyond ringside, her work behind the scenes helped initiatives like the Women's Evolution.

Stephanie McMahon Web Summit, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Shane McMahon

Shane was a corporate golden boy. How do we know? Well, he managed names like The Rock and later brought in The Mean Street Posse. His fearless persona made him more than just a ringside presence—he actively tipped the scales in high-stakes feuds, often taking jaw-dropping risks to secure victory.

Shane McMahon Miguel Discart, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Coach (Jonathan Coachman)

What happens when a commentator turns into a manager? We get Jonathan Coachman, one of WWE's most smug and detested authority figures. Aligning with Mr McMahon and The Rock, he used his corporate ties to undermine fan favorites, often stacking the deck in favor of WWE's biggest heels.

The Coach (Jonathan Coachman) Mshake3, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons

Sable

Sable initially served as a valet for Marc Mero but quickly outshined him with her rising star power. Her presence at ringside was magnetic, and her eventual dominance in WWE's women's division showcased her evolution from manager to in-ring competitor.

Renamero Pete Hawk, Wikimedia Commons

Dawn Marie

Dawn Marie brought an air of confidence and deception to her managerial role in WWE. Best known for managing Lance Storm in ECW before transitioning to WWE, she used mind games and manipulation to shift momentum and proved that strategy wasn’t limited to those inside the ring.

Dawn Marie NAPARAZZI, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Teddy Long

Before his iconic run as SmackDown's General Manager, Teddy Long made waves as a manager, guiding D'Lo Brown, Rodney Mack, and Mark Henry. He was known for seeing something in underutilized talent, and creating heated rivalries made him a standout in WWE's evolving scene.

Teddylong Mshake3, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Eric Bischoff

This man was no stranger to flashy displays and controversy. In fact, Eric loved having power and using it. No one can forget the time when he was Raw's General Manager and aligned with Three Minute Warning, using them as his personal enforcers to maintain control.

Eric Bischoff daysofthundr46, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Armando Estrada

Armando Estrada brought swagger and intensity to WWE as Umaga's mouthpiece by blending sharp suits with fast-talking arrogance. His booming voice and signature "My name is Armando Alejandro Estrada!" catchphrase made him unforgettable. While Umaga destroyed opponents, Estrada ensured his dominance.

Armando Estrada Armando Estrada Returns To Pro Wrestling | AAW Pro by AAW Pro

Ricardo Rodriguez

Ricardo Rodriguez's over-the-top introductions made every Del Rio entrance feel like a royal event. The man threw himself into chaos, interfering in matches, taking brutal beatings, and adding just the right mix of comedy and loyalty to Del Rio's championship run.

Ricardo Rodriguez Megan Elice Meadows, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Maryse

She used to say that The Miz was the best, but she was the reason behind the greatness. It was because of her mix of elegance and arrogance that Miz was able to WWE Title reign in 2010. Maryse distracted referees, and as a former Divas Champion, she prepared well.

Maryse GabboT, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lana

Lana turned a wrecking machine into a main event threat. Dressed in power suits and speaking with a sharp Russian accent, she controlled every moment Rusev stepped into the ring. Her cold intensity and ringside influence made her one of WWE's most commanding managers.

Lana Miguel Discart, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

William Regal

If you want to talk about calculated careers, this is the perfect person. Way before he even became NXT's General Manager, he had already led the Blue Bloods. In WWE, he took Eugene under his wing. Then, he later aligned with Tajiri in an unlikely but entertaining partnership.

William Regal Carter Sterling, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Zelina Vega

What's a great wrestler without the right manager? Zelina Vega turned Andrade into a champion, using her sharp mind and ruthless tactics to push him to the top. She delivered scathing promos, caused chaos at ringside, and made sure her clients always had the upper hand when it mattered most.

Zelina Vega Miguel Discart, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Drake Maverick

Drake Maverick brought brains to AOP's brute force by using his quick wit and sneaky tactics to help them dominate. Though outsized, he never backed down and proved that a sharp mind could make even the smallest manager a force to be reckoned with in the world of giants.

Drake Maverick Mike Kalasnik from Fort Mill, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Malcolm Bivens (Stokely Hathaway)

Danger could be Malcolm Bivens's second name, which brought terror to everyone else. He turned his faction, The Diamond Mine, into a powerhouse by adding names like Roderick Strong, The Creed Brothers, and Ivy Nile in NXT. Before that, he managed Indus Sher.

Malcolm Bivens (Stokely Hathaway) Miguel Discart from Bruxelles, Belgique, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

MVP

Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and Cedric Alexander thrived under MVP's leadership in The Hurt Business, a faction that dominated WWE. His sharp promos and strategic mindset helped Lashley capture the WWE Championship. More than just a manager, he rebuilt careers and proved that a powerful leader creates champions.

MVP Brandon Oliver, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Adam Pearce

Though more of an authority figure, Pearce's management decisions heavily influenced WWE's title pictures. His on-screen presence and role in making major matchups gave him the power of a modern-day manager, which affected key storylines across multiple brands.

Adam Pearce Adam Pearce makes Rollins vs. McIntyre official for Raw Day One: Raw highlights, Dec. 11, 2023 by WWE

Dutch Mantel (Zeb Colter)

This man's unique and controversial political rhetoric is still discussed today. The Real Americans is one of WWE's most controversial acts. A master of old-school heat, he turned Swagger into a World Heavyweight Title contender and gave Cesaro a career-defining moment at WrestleMania 30.

Dutch Mantel (Zeb Colter) Miguel Discart from Bruxelles, Belgique, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Alicia Fox

Fox briefly managed Noam Dar in 205 Live, playing the role of an over-the-top, possessive valet. While primarily a wrestler, her involvement in Dar's career added a unique entertainment factor, proving that character-driven management still had a place in WWE.

Alicia Fox Miguel Discart, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon

Although he was a manager for only a short time, Mad Dog is still a legend. He is remembered for his in-ring career. Later, he mentored rising stars in the AWA and WWE, using his reputation to intimidate opponents and influence outcomes with his old-school approach.

Maurice Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons

Daffney

David Flair and Crowbar in WCW were a part of Daffney's short-lived career as a manager. Her gothic, unhinged persona made her a standout in wrestling, and she often got physically involved in matches. Later, in TNA, she mentored Dr Stevie and feuded with stars like Taylor Wilde and Tara.

Daffney daysofthundr46, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Eva Marie

Eva Marie managed Doudrop during her 2021 WWE return, playing an arrogant, self-centered character who took credit for her protege's success. Her storyline was controversial but effectively positioned her as a modern heel manager with mainstream appeal.

Eva Marie Miguel Discart, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn's involvement in The Bloodline was more than just a side story—it became one of WWE's most emotional arcs. His desperate need for acceptance, comedic timing, and eventual betrayal made his role alongside Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Solo Sikoa unforgettable.

Sami Zayn Miguel Discart from Bruxelles, Belgique, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Maxxine Dupri

A breath of fresh air came with Maxxine. She bought a modern, fashion-forward twist to the classic managerial role. Instead of just managing, she became an active presence in storylines, training alongside Chad Gable and Otis while maintaining her over-the-top persona.

Maxxine Dupri Maxxine Dupri attempts to recruit Otis for Maximum Male Models: Raw, Feb. 13, 2023 by WWE