At its core, WWE is a variety show that needs talent of all shapes, sizes and talents to engage a wide array of viewers. These days, non-wrestling performers such as managers, valets, announcers and commentators are often overlooked, undervalued and underused. It’s high time we give them their due.
On Sunday Sept 17th, Bobby Heenan – the consensus choice for greatest manager in wrestling history – passed away at the age of 72. The news understandably shook the sports entertainment world, but it also gave fans young and old a chance to reminisce on the brilliance that was “The Brain”.
Whether it was being the symbolic force behind Andre The Giant’s pre-WrestleMania 3 heel turn, bickering with Gorilla Monsoon on WWF Prime Time Wrestling or shamelessly cheering on Ric Flair in the 1992 Royal Rumble match like a unabashed father cheering on his kid in a Little League game, Bobby Heenan was the quintessential representation of performer who prospered in a role outside of the ring.
Heenan’s legacy is one of pure entertainment and consistency. His career is a blueprint for non-wrestling talents and he should be an inspiration on how to accentuate product and get others over by association.
The following performers are currently active exclusively in an outside-the-ring capacity. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so their talents should be recognized and appreciated in the overall scope of the spectacle that is sports entertainment
5. Mauro Ranallo
WWE fans got their first taste of Mauro Ranallo during the Cruiserweight Classic on the WWE Network. From that point forward, one thing was seemingly clear: he would be a prominent voice in the company for many years to come.
Mauro teamed with Daniel Bryan to call the tournament and viewers were treating to many “tope suicidas” and topical pop culture references. Soon thereafter, Ranallo took his seat as the lead announcer on SmackDown Live.
What followed was a brief absence from WWE TV during which fans lamented the loss of such a unique and refreshing voice. Ranallo is now back in our lives on NXT. This seems to be the ideal spot for him, a program who’s main audience is made up mostly of hardcore fans and where the pomp and circumstance of promoting products and pushing hashtags is almost non-existent.
WWE has found themselves an announcer with endless upside and who’s most important quality may be his penchant for calling combat sports such as boxing and MMA, which has helped him lend an air of legitimacy to broadcasts.
Being the lead voice of the Mayweather-McGregor superfight wasn’t a bad look, either.
From his encyclopaedic knowledge of wrestling holds to his vivacious enthusiasm, Ranallo makes it all feel “real”, plan and simple.
4. Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan’s in-ring career may have come to an end, but the massive crowd reactions have not. His likeability factor is off-the-charts and he’s still among the most popular stars in the company.
Bryan is constantly improving his promo skills and can play a variety of on-screen roles, whether it’s as Shane McMahon’s managing partner on SmackDown or as an advocate for the women’s division in the “land of opportunity”.
A perfect illustration of Bryan’s talent and value was his year-long feud with The Miz.
Before being sent to the Raw brand, the “Most Must-See Superstar” and his general manager had a back-and-forth rivalry that began on Talking Smack and continued on social media, in the backstage area and even in the ring, where The Miz incorporated moves and mannerisms made famous by Bryan. As the antagonist to the fan-favourite General Manager, Miz’s spot as a top heel was secured.
Daniel Bryan’s battle with The Miz was white-hot, even though every single fan knew there was little to no chance of in in-ring payoff. And there’s the rub, the omnipresent question: what if Daniel Bryan can wrestle just one more match?
If the answer is “YES!”, fans rejoice. If the answer is “no”, they can remain confident that Bryan’s mere presence will elevate each and every superstar he comes into contact with.
3. Paul Heyman
He doesn’t need any of the bells and whistles that the WWE Universe has become accustomed to. No pyro, no video and no walkout music.
All he needs is one phrase: “Ladies and gentlemen, my name… is Paul Heyman.”
Even though he exclusively refers to himself as an “advocate”, Heyman is one of the only classic managers left in WWE. When a performer is struggling or seems to be missing the “it” factor, the answer to the hypothetical question of “how could we fix (insert wrestler’s name here)?” is often simple: make him a Paul Heyman guy!
Heyman’s promos are can’t-miss. Not only can he sit upon his proscenium and act as a hype machine and promotional vehicle for the next pay-per-view, he can also still play the slimy, cowering role, as demonstrated by his interactions with Stephanie McMahon and most recently, Samoa Joe.
He is a historically significant wrestling figure, thanks to his ties to WCW and the Dangerous Alliance and the cult following he developed as the leader of ECW. However, above and beyond nostalgia, Paul Heyman has managed to remain relevant throughout the course of many different eras spanning over three decades.
Even if Lesnar does in fact leave WWE following this year’s WrestleMania, there will always be a plethora of superstars who could benefit from being a Paul Heyman Guy.
2. Renee Young
On Sept 30th, The Detroit Tigers’ Andrew Romine became the fifth player in MLB history to play all nine positions in a single game.
Renee Young is the Andrew Romine of WWE. She is a utility player who fills every position with confidence and efficacy.
She’s been a backstage interviewer, anchored pay-per-view pre-shows, done Raw Talk and Talking Smack, hosted her own Network show Unfiltered, appeared on Total Divas and even spent a short tenure as a colour commentator. For the past few years, it’s been impossible to escape Renee Young’s presence.
And who would want to?
The unanimous outcry and discontent from wrestling fans when the news broke the Talking Smack was being cancelled as a weekly show perfectly illustrates the way the Universe feels about Renee’s work. The contributions of each and every performer and co-host on that show cannot be overlooked, but the reaction is a testament to the work Young has done and the legitimacy she brings to her role.
Let’s not forget her ongoing “feuds” with The Miz and Kevin Owens either, or as her relationship with real-life husband Dean Ambrose. Could there be a potential storyline on the horizon that goes beyond the limits of the backstage area?
Odds are that would suit her just fine.
1. Corey Graves
A career-ending injury for any professional athlete or entertainer is devastating. In Corey Graves’ case, it has given WWE their next great colour commentator.
The sharply dressed Graves has the voice and the look and is accurate and informative in calling the action. His character is taking shape with each passing show (see his “rivalry” with Enzo Amore) and he can always be counted on to inject his observational humour, especially when he is questioning Booker T’s grammar and vocabulary.
There was, is and always will be only one Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, and it would be extremely premature and quite the stretch to anoint Graves as “the next” anyone. He could however be the first Corey Graves by including a mixture of influences into his work while being sure to carve out his own path in the industry.
He’s even been called upon to demonstrate and highlight the gravitas of certain storylines. In taking on a more prominent role, he’s been afforded the opportunity to demonstrate exactly how valuable he is and can be to the company.
Next: Who Are The Greatest Wrestlers To Never Be World Champion?
Lately, Graves has been pulling double-duty as the only announcer to voice both Raw and SmackDown Live, a sign of confidence from WWE indicating that Corey Graves could eventually usurp the top position as the voice of WWE.
Were any non-wrestling performers forgotten? Someone we ranked too low (or too high)? Let your voice be heard in the comments section!