WWE Should Consider More ‘Bob Backlund Guys’
By Dean Siemon
While the WWE might consider booking more “Paul Heyman guys,” it might be better to see who could become a “Bob Backlund guy.”
There has been a lot of attention about whether Paul Heyman should recruit more talents to represent. However, the WWE should have more than just one manager and a couple of valets in Lana and Maryse.
There used to be a time in professional wrestling where managers were a big part of a superstar’s success. If anyone should develop an Army of WWE superstars, it is Bob Backlund. In his own ways, he could be a great rival to Heyman when it comes to being able to get superstars to go from the mid-card – or lower – to reach a much higher ceiling than they could have done on their own.
While still on the mid-card status, Backlund’s managerial work has made Darren Young relevant again. As silly as the segments have been, it’s still pretty entertaining. Most of that has to do with Backlund being fun to watch when he gets passionate about whatever he’s mad about. But that’s what managers do, they’re supposed to help a superstar in their own way.
Moving forward, it would be cool to see Backlund be someone who can recruit other superstars who are falling down the card. Maybe whenever the WWE is done toying with Heath Slater as a free agent who can’t get a contract to either Raw or SmackDown, maybe Backlund can offer his expertise in being great again. The potential comedy between Slater and Backlund would be great to watch.
Imagine someone like Jack Swagger being able to renew the “Real American” gimmick with Bob Backlund being the voice that once belonged to Zeb Colter. Or maybe Backlund can help the Shining Stars, because we all would love to see Primo and Epico doing just about any other type of gimmick than what WWE has given them.
More wwe: WrestleMania 33 Match Card Projections
More from Daily DDT
- It’s time for Adam Cole and MJF to drop the ROH tag team titles
- Tom Lawlor talks MLW return, AEW opportunity, CM Punk’s WWE return and more
- Eddie Kingston stands to gain the most from the AEW Continental Classic
- Trish Stratus on WWE NXT would help elevate that women’s division
- Randy Orton signs with SmackDown to go after The Bloodline
Backlund is someone who has already caught attention with the fans from his crazy antics that started when he snapped back in 1994 by wanting to teach the new generation of superstars a lesson. His hyperactive shouting has been a trademark. If the WWE was to have him become a mentor and coach for multiple superstars, they could build a faction that could help boost the tag team division on Raw.
At the same time, I wouldn’t recommend Backlund’s guys trying to challenge “Paul Heyman guys” anytime soon. For one, Brock Lesnar would destroy any momentum a Backlund faction would gain. Additionally, Heyman’s track record beyond Lesnar has found very limited success.
Remember the team of Curtis Axel and Ryback? The creative team didn’t do much with them shortly after a feud with CM Punk a few years ago. The WWE already tried to have Heyman bring up talents, but the expectations might have been too high.
Related Story: Cruiserweights Who Have Headlined WrestleMania Events
At least with a group of wrestlers being managed by Backlund, fans could expect to see comedic segments and some funny promos between the group members. That’s what Backlund does best. It would also be the most likely way to help keep some of these lower-tier talents relevant in the company.