In the world of professional wrestling, the action inside the ring is only part of the spectacle. A crucial element that often goes unnoticed but plays an essential role in building storylines and character development is the wrestling manager. The manager’s role has evolved over the years, but they continue to be an integral part of the wrestling business. In this article, we’ll explore what a manager does in the world of professional wrestling and how they contribute to the larger-than-life entertainment that fans know and love.
1. What Is a Wrestling Manager?
A wrestling manager is an individual who helps manage, promote, and represent a professional wrestler or a group of wrestlers. In the world of sports entertainment, managers can perform a variety of roles, both inside and outside the ring. Traditionally, managers act as vocal advocates, guiding the career of their wrestlers by providing them with opportunities, boosting their reputations, and offering strategic advice.
However, the role of the manager isn’t just to be a mere representative—managers are often the mouthpiece for their wrestlers, especially for those who may not be as skilled at promo work or speaking on the mic. In this way, the manager’s verbal prowess becomes just as important as the wrestler’s in-ring ability. Managers are also involved in creating and enhancing storylines by being part of the action during feuds and rivalries, adding layers to the drama unfolding on television.
2. The Manager as a Mouthpiece
Perhaps the most important and iconic role of a wrestling manager is to be a mouthpiece for the wrestler. Many wrestlers, particularly in the earlier days of professional wrestling, were skilled in the ring but lacked the ability to connect with fans through words. A manager, with their sharp tongue and dynamic persona, filled this gap by cutting promos on behalf of their client.
Some of the most memorable managers in wrestling history, such as Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, Jimmy Hart, and Paul Heyman, were exceptional speakers who could sell matches, build rivalries, and create tension in ways that made the fans eager to watch. By talking up their clients, a manager could elevate their wrestler’s status and give them a larger-than-life persona that captivated audiences.
For example, Paul Heyman, the long-time manager of Brock Lesnar, has helped turn Lesnar into a dominant force in WWE by using his captivating mic skills to create a larger-than-life persona. Heyman’s ability to craft compelling narratives for Lesnar has been instrumental in making him one of the biggest attractions in wrestling today.
3. Manager as Strategist and Advisor
Beyond speaking on behalf of their client, a wrestling manager often plays the role of strategist and advisor. Managers are seen as individuals with experience and wisdom in the wrestling business, and they typically guide their wrestlers toward success, offering advice on how to win matches, avoid pitfalls, and maintain a strong presence in the promotion.
A manager may use tactics outside the ring to help their wrestler succeed, whether it’s distracting the referee, interfering in matches, or providing assistance during important moments. These actions contribute to the manager’s role as the brains behind the operation, creating opportunities for their wrestler to gain an upper hand over their opponents. The manager’s presence outside the ring often makes the difference in the success of their wrestler, especially in high-profile matches.
For instance, Vickie Guerrero managed several WWE Superstars, including Edge and Dolph Ziggler, using her influence to assist in championship wins, often through distractions or manipulations during matches. Her strategic interventions helped her clients achieve success, making her one of the most effective and memorable managers in recent history.
4. Building Rivalries and Storylines
A wrestling manager doesn’t just help elevate their client; they also play a critical role in building rivalries and storylines within the promotion. Managers often align themselves with certain wrestlers, and their personal stakes in these rivalries make them key players in the ongoing drama of professional wrestling. Managers often serve as the bridge between the wrestlers and the fans, creating compelling storylines that keep audiences engaged.
In some cases, a manager might instigate a rivalry or fuel the fire between wrestlers by intervening in a match or by speaking negatively about an opponent. This interference leads to more personal and heated conflicts, further developing the narrative. A manager’s interference in a match can escalate a storyline, making it more dramatic and intense, which adds to the excitement and anticipation for future confrontations.
One notable example is Mr. Fuji, who was notorious for aligning himself with top-tier talent like The Orient Express and Yokozuna. He would frequently interfere in matches, delivering sneak attacks with his infamous salt or guiding his clients to victory, all while intensifying the rivalry with opponents. His actions outside the ring made his wrestlers more hated, but it also made him one of the most effective managers in wrestling history.
5. The Manager as a Villain
Managers can also take on the role of a villain or heel in wrestling. Often, the manager is the one who creates the animosity between themselves and the fans, helping to establish the hero or babyface wrestler in the process. A villainous manager can manipulate situations, lie, cheat, and influence the outcome of matches to help their wrestlers succeed, making them one of the primary sources of heat in a storyline.
An excellent example of a villainous manager is James E. Cornette. Known for his role as the manager of The Midnight Express, Cornette was a master of getting under the skin of fans with his over-the-top personality and underhanded tactics. His heel persona as a manipulative, loudmouth manager played a large part in building the popularity of his clients while enhancing rivalries in the process.
6. The Manager as a Personality in the Spotlight
While their primary role is to support and manage the wrestler, some managers also develop strong personas of their own. Over the years, many managers have become beloved (or reviled) characters, with fans tuning in not just to watch the wrestlers they manage, but also to see the managers themselves. A manager with a strong personality can quickly become an integral part of the promotion’s overall success.
The Divas Manager role, for example, became a crucial element in the 2000s, with personalities like Trish Stratus and Lita moving from competitors to managing other wrestlers. Their impact didn’t just extend to the wrestlers they represented, but also added another layer of drama and entertainment to the matches and storylines they were involved in.
7. The Changing Role of Managers in Modern Wrestling
While managers were once a staple in the wrestling industry, their role has evolved over time, particularly in modern WWE programming. The rise of social media and more in-ring promo opportunities for wrestlers means that many performers are now expected to take on the responsibilities of managing their own careers. However, managers still have an important place in the business.
Today, managers like Paul Heyman continue to prove the value of having a strong, vocal representative for wrestlers who need help with mic skills, character development, and storytelling. Managers like Heyman elevate their wrestlers and create a bond with the fans that would otherwise be difficult for the wrestler to achieve on their own.
Conclusion
The role of a manager in professional wrestling is multifaceted and remains an essential part of the industry. From being a mouthpiece to providing strategic guidance and helping to create intense storylines, managers are vital to the success of both individual wrestlers and wrestling promotions. While the role of the manager has evolved over the years, their importance in the storytelling and spectacle of professional wrestling remains undeniable. As long as the world of pro wrestling continues to thrive, managers will remain a crucial part of the show.
