Who would benefit the most from a manager?

[WWE Manster03]

Now I searched for this and didn't find anything close to relevent, but if I missed something let me know as this is my first thread.
I was going through some old wrestling DVDs I had converted from VHS and noticed that pre-Attitude era, the WWE had a ton of managers/valets. People like Paul Bearer/Brother Love/Virgil/Miss Elizabet/Sensational Sherri/Jimmy Hart/Bobby Heenan/etc..

What I want to know is, who on the active roster could benefit from a valet or manager? Could be in a heel or a face capacity, but who would you like to see get someone with them and who would you like to see them placed with and why?

If I were to pick, I would get someone from the next season of NXT, for example Kaval(Senshi) who is a very solid technical wrestler that can work like Mysterio/Daniel Bryan/Jericho/Bourne/Justin Gabriel/etc... He doesn't talk much, but works very technical/high spot matches and would need a mouthpiece. Have him come in as a heel and debut him with someone that single handedly has called PPV cards by himself, and when given the chance to can spit some wicked promos......Joey Styles. His shoot when he "quit" Raw a while back was based on promoting Sports Entertainment and not announcing the moves and such in the match. What better way to get him back on tv then to debut him with someone with a very solid technical game but seems to have little skills on the mic. I don't think I've ever seen Kaval(Senshi) talk and his look scream silent badass. I think it could work, what about you guys?

 

[Mark0820]

Simple. Shelton Benjamin. His in ring work is always good, but can't give a promo to save his life. If he had a mouthpiece, like a Heenan, he'd go very, very far.

 

[alex.ruiz003]

i think that daniels needs a manerger.i think he would be better off in aj styles role with ric flair.that way he could have gothin a push.daniels is a major player in tna , but they dont use him cuze he cant talk on the mic. ric flair could just talk for him.

 

[jaytaday]

Jack Swagger. He definitely needs an all american american manager such as Hogan but since he's in tna (John Cena:Wasting his time) he'll probably need someone like sgt slaughter to help him get pushed out of the low cards and get the push he deserves

 

[Ferbian]

I would actually have a few people.

Mark Henry: now I know he had Atlas as a manager before, and if you ask me, it really didn't do anything for him, but he's definitely the guy who needs a manager, because he is (excuse my language) pure shit on the microphone, and a proper manager to speak his verbal battles would serve him well.

Dolph Ziggler: I've only seen him cut what? 2..3 promos? and quite frankly, they were all bad, they weren't Mark Henry bad, but they were bad enough for me to recommend a manager, I have my doubts that a valet would do much for him, he needs a manager, someone with strong mic skills that can get up and loud where.. Mr Ziggles isn't.

and last, Jack Swagger: Yes you heard me right, Jack Swagger, now I've watched a few of his promos that I actually must admit were quite fine, I liked the one he cut on MVP about the time he spend in prison, so it's not the skills and ability to come up with words that he's lacking, it all comes down to the lisp, yes I think the lisp is ruining it for Swagger sadly, because he has great potential to become big, but he would most likely get there quicker with a manager with the ability to spread their words and spread them clearly like CM Punk or William Regal.

The only problem remains all thou, that there isn't really any proper mic people around to serve as proper managers, certainly we got Vickie Guerrero, but I can't see her managing any of the above mentioned, perhaps Dolph Ziggler, but then again not really.
And then there's Tiffany, but I must admit I don't see her going to be doing any managing currently, unless she manages Christian in some form, which is doubtful too because their on separate brands.
And all the other great potential managers and valets are doing much more worthy already, mainly serving as a superstar or diva wrestler, which would seem odd to be doing both managing and wrestling if you ask me.
Besides I don't see any of the active superstars of divas who could serve the position as to be doing anything manager wise unless their already doing the NXT thing, which really doesn't count, at least not as much as an actual "pro" getting an actual manager.

 

[jmyers19]

I'd say John Morrison. If he was still alive Rick Rude would have been killer as a manager for him (Pre D-X Rude). Morrison isn't an awful mic worker but he isn't the best speaker, and there's no doubt that he'll be a future World Champ but will obviously cut promos either for the build up to his Title match and if he wins the Title itself. 'Taker had Bearer, they were a great duo and look at 'Taker now, his character doesn't require him to speak much and when he does, well he doesn't need to say much either but with Morrison, he doesn't really have a gimmick, and definitly not one that restrains him from speaking, Maybes somewhere down the line, if HBK is retired but he's comfortable with coming back after spending time with his family he could play a Flair-like role for Morrison like Ric did with HHH.

 

[Drew McIntyre]

Cody Rhodes desparatley needs a manager even though he has quite proficient wrestling abilities he is simply devoid of charisma his promos are unintresting unless Orton or DiBiase are there helping with the promo.

Cody Rhodes has been placed into the long awaited Orton vs DiBiase match at Wrestlemania making it a triple threat match but in my opinion has not really contributed to this fued which i feel should had been a singles match maybe with him as the special referee so he has to pick a side in the fued.

In my honest opinion i belive that Cody Rhodes will forever be nothing more than just another mid card wrestler who never elevates himself to the top of the industry unless he obtains a charismatic manager to help him with promos and make the fans care about him perhaps Dusty Rhodes can manage Cody like Bob Orton used to manage Randy.

 

[RicSpade]

Really the main problem is all these guys get managers now a days but they are giving pretty horrid no reason to be there managers. Lets face it I am really tired of all these guys having divas as a manager, Rosa really does nothing for Ryder, and the last real good diva wrestler manager role was held by Trish during the whole Christian Jericho thing. Same with Val the only reason she was even in the role she was in for a short time was cause she was reminding us of Macho man and Liz. if guys like Hart, Bischoff, actually did something with the talent they use to enforce then we'd be good but there only there to get heat or to get the Nastys over. The last time we even seen a good manager in TNA was Mitchell and D'amore. And in WWE the last manager to do anything was Estrada.

Get us old school managers and give them to guys like Benjamin, Red (what happened to Don West?), Hernandez (was fine with Guerrero as a mouthpiece),etc. , otherwise put them back in a faction that gives them cred like XXX and Team Angle, and maybe just maybe they will be worth something again.

 

[STL]

I think that there is no doubt in my mind that McIntyre needs a manager. I think that he should get drafted to RAW and since Vince "signed him" Vince should be his manager. McIntyre would actually get heat and it would make his character less boring.

 

[The_Evil_Empire]

Mark Henry has always worked better with a manager. I've never really liked him, but at least he was more over with either a manager or a tag team partner. In fact, it's only been recently that he hasn't been a part of a group. Nation of Domination, tag team with D'Lo Brown, Sexual Chocoloate w/ Ivory, managed by Theodore Long, managed by Daivari, bouncer for MNM, managed by Tony Atlas. So, it's been proven that he does more with a manger, and giving him somebody new (or old) could really propel him out of the Raw jobber spot.

Kane is another guy that work well with a manager. It would be cool to see the return of Paul Bearer to manage Kane during his last year in the WWE. With his time drawing to a close, he could really use a good feud, and Paul returning would give him some attention.

I would also like to point out that with NXT going on, it's kinda like 8 managers were just created. WWE may not want a lot of managers on Raw or Smackdown because whenever the NXT rookies are wresling, their pros are there managing them. It's an entire show of managers and rookies.

 

[wrestling fan 666]

What I'd like to see is a new stable led by a manager (like the four horsemen of old). I could see Drew McIntyre, Dolph Ziggler, and maybe Sheamus as the new breed of young lions taking over the reigns of the older (HHH, Michaels). The older wrestlers are trying to pass the torches to the new guys; this could be a way to do so. The only thing that I would insist on is NO valets and/or Hornswoggle making them a joke instead of taking them seriously.

 

[AnthonyMango/NoFate007]

1) Drew McIntyre - The guy is boring as FUCK when he tries to cut a promo. He's not impressing me at all in the ring either, but that's a different discussion. McIntyre needs a manager to try to help him get over as trying to copy Orton by just walking to the ring really slowly is certainly not going to do it.

2) Shelton Benjamin - I love the guy, but bless his heart, the fuckin idiot just doesn't want to take acting classes lol. To be fair, though, I think Shelton could benefit if they just pushed him more and in non-mic situations. How about Shelton keeps the Gold Standard gimmick and just comes out as a serious wrestler for once? Picture this, Shelton comes out one night, slapping hands with the fans on his way to the ring (why he doesn't do that while he's a face is beyond me), gets the mic and says that he's not here for soap opera crap. None of that "friendship has gone awry" or "you're hitting on my girl" nonsense. To him, he's there to wrestle and to win titles. He wants to go out there, fight his opponent, beat him, and move up the ladder to where he beats the champ and is the best amongst the best. Done. No more talking, no more scripted promos that he stumbles over, no real need for a manager.

3) Michael Tarver - If he's going to last, that is. He's not good on the mic and c'mon, can't you kind of picture a Don King kind of partnership? Admit it lol.

 

[LitasRevenge79]

I say Christian would be great if Tiffany were to be his mgr. I definitely saw some on-screen chemistry when on ECW. That would be a winning pair.

Drew McIntyre would need someone with charisma who is talent on the mic, his speaking is subpar to say the least. If Melina went heel again, she would make a possibly good person, or maybe some person from FCW.

Swagger, I'd say he would stand out with a mgr. No matter if he was heel or face, the possibilities are endless with him, I wish they'd push him in a better direction.

 

[King Blitzkonic]

I think a very good case could be made for the likes of McIntyre or Christian, but in my opinion the one guy who could really use a boost that only a manager can bring is The Undertaker. Hes getting stale and boring and not getting the crowd reactions he used to. I think a man like Ranjin Singh could be the one for the job?

All right, I can give you the stale point, maybe the boring point. (Same goes for Cena!) but the question of crowd reaction I have to respectfully disagree with you. When the lights go out and that gong sounds, the crowd explodes no matter where the event is. That's because the fans have respect for Taker and his accomplishment, same goes for HBK. I really don't think that there'll really be too many people present and future that can get the pops like people such as Michaels, Taker, and Sid got in the mid 90s, but that's a different thread for a different time.

Now then: If I had to pick one current roster wrestler that could do with a manager/mouthpiece... I'd go with John Cena IF he were to turn heel. Imagine this if you will: John Cena turns heel and when asked why, his new "manager" comes out and tells the world that John Cena is sick of going out there and entertaining but getting no respect and that he doesn't have to explain his actions because he's the best and no one can take him. I remember when Cena was heel (he wasn't quite as charismatic on the mic as he is now, but that's the only thing going for face Cena!).

 

[maar130]

I thing that mostly someone who is a heel needs a manager, a face most of the time gets less with a manager. I mean for me manager are there to help and sometimes more than usual.

For Me McIntyre and Katie Lea would be gold, McIntyre is not bad on the mic but she is way better, I mean I know she deserves to be more than just a manager but as a power couple they can be gold, when they allowed her to speak Burchill was hated, when Burchill talked it was not that great, they should allow her to be the mouth piece of anyone.


In the case of the Undertaker, well he is getting a lot of reaction any time he is in the ring and the only reason he getting some heat now is because of the Career VS Streak thing, but on his own against anyone he gets the best reaction, a manager for him as face will hold him down, if he becomes a heel again a manager would not hurt but he is very good on his own on that too.

 

[maar130]

Kane is another guy that work well with a manager. It would be cool to see the return of Paul Bearer to manage Kane during his last year in the WWE. With his time drawing to a close, he could really use a good feud, and Paul returning would give him some attention.

I know is like a promo but you know who would be great? Katie as his manager, the Scarlett witch and the Big Red Machine would be gold.

The kind of sick relationship Lita used for a while with Kane before bretaying him would be great for Kane and one last run towards a title, that would be awesome.

 

[ramblinroy68]

Ezekial Jackson comes to mind. His interviews are horrific. I would like to see an angle where Teddy Long gets the boot as GM and brings in Talent to represent him. He could even play the race card and bring a Nation of Domination type of group with him with Jackson as the Lead Guy. Shelton Benjamin and Mark Henry would also benefit.

I could also see Matt Stryker as a Manager. I think he could be Heenan-esque. I could see him with Mike Knox, Jack Swagger, or Dolph Ziggler. Of those three, I would love to see him pair up with Swagger. They could almost be like Heenan and Mr. Perfect.

Finally, I would like to see Cody Rhodes get a manager. Even if it was his Dad for a while. I think he needs a shot of life into his character.

 

[King Blitzkonic]

Ezekial Jackson comes to mind. His interviews are horrific. I would like to see an angle where Teddy Long gets the boot as GM and brings in Talent to represent him. He could even play the race card and bring a Nation of Domination type of group with him with Jackson as the Lead Guy. Shelton Benjamin and Mark Henry would also benefit.

I could also see Matt Stryker as a Manager. I think he could be Heenan-esque. I could see him with Mike Knox, Jack Swagger, or Dolph Ziggler. Of those three, I would love to see him pair up with Swagger. They could almost be like Heenan and Mr. Perfect.

Finally, I would like to see Cody Rhodes get a manager. Even if it was his Dad for a while. I think he needs a shot of life into his character.

You know, you're absolutely right about Stryker. I didn't think of him. Now I see a slight problem with the Zeke/Teddy theory: It's been done before. Remember Thuggin-n-Buggin ala Rodney Mack? Didn't like it then, don't like it now. I really don't think Zeke needs a manager at all... just keep his promos short and to the point and let his in-ring work do the talking.

 

[XratedRKO]

Shelton Benjamin first and foremost. I think if mic skills were so important the WWE should have a class on it taught some of the best in the business or outside companies to help with that.

Shelton Benjamin should have been a world champ by now. How Cm Punk got it before him is unbelievable.

I think looking back on it Managers/Valets were sorely underrated. The mouth piece, the charisma, and swagger they can give to a great "wrestler" is great. And then when that wrestler starts to emerge on their own on the mic then the manager could move on. I think its something the business as a whole could use again

 

[ScreaminNormanSmiley]

Shelton Benjamin first and foremost. I think if mic skills were so important the WWE should have a class on it taught some of the best in the business or outside companies to help with that.

Shelton Benjamin should have been a world champ by now. How Cm Punk got it before him is unbelievable.

The reason cm punk became champ before benjamin is hes better, simple as that. i love benjamins ring work but hes not as good with in ring psychology as punk, his moves arent as good, and shelton doesnt have a hundredth of the promo ability and charisma as punk. and punk has been wrestling longer so there is no saying that benjamin deserved it first, or even deserves it yet if u ask me.

with that out of the way i agree benjamin would benifit enourmously from a manager because despite his great athletic ability he will never get over without help on his character and promos, a good manager could do just that for him.

another wrestler that could use one is bourne for the same reason. he is ad good as it comes when it comes if u want a fast paced exiting match, but he has no promo ability at all, when he talks its just sad. if he had a manager or mentor to help him learn to cut a good promo they might let his start getting some upsets and who knows maybe a small push

 

[XratedRKO]

The reason cm punk became champ before benjamin is hes better, simple as that. i love benjamins ring work but hes not as good with in ring psychology as punk, his moves arent as good, and shelton doesnt have a hundredth of the promo ability and charisma as punk. and punk has been wrestling longer so there is no saying that benjamin deserved it first, or even deserves it yet if u ask me.

Well I guess its the fan in me. CM punk does not move me at all when he takes the ring. His in ring psychology is just about as dry as the average performer.

 

[shipititez]

To me the wrestler in most need of a manager (and I can think of quite a few that could use managers. The role of the manger in wrestling is something that has been lost over the years and could boost the current on screen product by leaps and bounds, but that is for another thread.) Is The Blueprint Matt Morgan. I have always seen Morgan as a monster heel, but I feel his mic work gets in the way of going over in a Sid vicious type of role. When I think Morgan needs is a manager similar to the role that Harley Race played for Big Van Vader in WCW. A wicked articulate heel mouthpiece who can build heat for Morgan. That would allow Morgan to "dumb down" his mic work and yell a whole lot more. For some reason it seems like the less intelligent that a big man is, the more devastating he appears.

 

[Jaims]

Firstly, I would like to disagree that Ezekiel needs a manager. I think his mic skills are ok right now. He's barely had a chance to speak, so I think with just a little more practice he'll be fine. Plus, he's HUGE. Why would he need a manager?

You see, I agree with some of the posters that heels are the ones that need managers, but I think it needs to be the cheating, lying, despicable heels, the smaller ones who can't back up what they say just with their strength. Because then, they could get a cheating, lying, despicable manger, male or female, to help them do the dirty work and build even more heat.

I like to think of Sensational Sherri as a perfect manager, because she could draw heat just on her own. So the person who I think would be the best manager right now, would be Vickie Guerrero. Let's face it, WWE accidentally struck gold by having her on TV as a heel. She has done an unbelievable job drawing heat over the past years, and I think her as a manager could divert some of that heat to another wrestler.

Now yes, WWE was going to attempt this with Eric Escobar, but Escobar was pretty bland. Put her with someone who is going to have success in this company, and that person will rise faster than expected.

I think the person who would benefit the most right now would be Sheamus or McIntyre. I think their promos are fine and their ring-work isn't too bad or too boring for me, but they still don't quite seem to be main event threats yet. Sheamus is getting close, as being a former champion and now possibly going over HHH at Wrestlemania will really make him stand out. McIntyre is the odds-on favorite right now to win MITB, in my opinion. But to make him credible with that case (if he wins it), he should have someone managing him, to help draw heat to him so when he DOES get a title shot, the crowd is hot for it. Vickie could achieve just that. Plus, Drew is Vince's Golden Boy, and Vickie has hand-selected by Vince to be the consultant on Smackdown, so the pairing could work. I say pull the trigger and have her manage Drew after the draft.

If I needed to choose a face who needed a manager, I'll be a broken record and say Shelton. His mic skills are not very good, even after all these years. Otherwise, Yoshi Tatsu or Evan Bourne is my choice. They are talented, and have managed to get good crowd reactions with very little wins or substantial storylines. If they had a manager to elevate them a bit, they might be more credible in the company's eyes as mid-card champions.