Daniel Bryan and the Top Options to Fill Raw and SmackDown GM Roles

As announced on the July 11 edition of WWE Raw, Shane McMahon will serve as the commissioner of SmackDown, while Stephanie McMahon will remain in power on Monday nights. But Vince McMahon also revealed that Shane and Stephanie must appoint general managers to run their respective shows in their absences.

It apparently didn't take Shane long to find someone to fill the role. He tweeted Tuesday that "terms were agreed to" for someone to take the reins on Tuesday nights; the identity of the new GM will be revealed next Monday on Raw.

Fans have their own ideas as to who they think should be in charge of Raw and SmackDown once the brand extension goes into effect, and there isn't a shortage of options to choose from.

With anticipation at an all-time high, let's look at the best possible candidates to become the next Raw and SmackDown GMs.

Daniel Bryan

Credit: WWE.com

Long before WWE's official app accidentally leaked that Daniel Bryan will be the new GM of SmackDown, per Ryan Glasspiegel of USA Today's Big Lead, he had been a fan favorite to fill the role.

The former WWE champion retired from active competition earlier this year as a result of a career-ending concussion and has been seldom seen on WWE TV since.

Currently, Bryan is calling the action for the Cruiserweight Classic alongside the illustrious Mauro Ranallo on Wednesday nights after NXT. But that doesn't mean he wouldn't be able to pull double duty by appearing on SmackDown every Tuesday.

He tried his hand at running Raw the night after Survivor Series 2014 and did a decent job of making matches and maintaining order. As one of WWE's most beloved stars, appointing him the SmackDown GM would ensure his popularity wouldn't go to waste.

Sting

Credit: WWE.com

It wasn't long after Daniel Bryan called it a career that Sting, who suffered a serious neck injury at last year's Night of Champions pay-per-view, did the same.

After announcing his retirement from the ring during his WWE Hall of Fame induction speech over WrestleMania 32 weekend, he descended back into the darkness and has kept a low profile in recent months.

Sting has experience as an authority figure, as he once served as the "general menace" of TNA Impact Wrestling five years ago. It was at TNA that he emerged as a talented talker, so he could more than hold his own on the mic as an on-air personality.

Slotting him as the Raw or SmackDown GM might seem strange at first, but it would be better than not utilizing him at all. Fans would be happy to see Sting back in a prominent position on Monday or Tuesday nights.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin

Credit: WWE.com

Both Bryan and Sting can follow in the footsteps of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, as he was among the first former wrestlers to transition into an authoritative role on Raw following his in-ring retirement in 2003. And he excelled in the role, too.

Austin brought unpredictability and excitement to Monday night throughout his tenure as the show's co-general manager. Some would say the stint was cut short far too soon, and WWE hasn't found a proper role for him on programming since.

Given that Austin is busy at the moment with other projects, he may not be a likely candidate, but he should nevertheless be considered for the vacant spot. Working underneath those he used to attack on a near-weekly basis in the Attitude Era would make for compelling television.

Edge

Credit: WWE.com

Edge is another individual whose career was cut short far too soon as a result of neck injuries sustained over the span of a decade. Other than his occasional appearances on WWE TV, he has been largely removed from the product over the past five years.

However, when he has hosted Raw in the past, he has been exceptional at it, especially with Christian by his side. Is there any way we could have both former WWE tag team champions running Raw or SmackDown together?

Even if it's only Edge at the helm of either brand, he would be suited for the role. The Rated-R Superstar is too good to be showing up merely once or twice per year.

Other Potential Prospects

Credit: WWE.com

Of the many men and women who have served as Raw general manager since the inception of the role in 2002, no one was better than Eric Bischoff.

Granted, the last thing we need right now is another heel authority figure, and he has already shot down rumors of a return, but a one-off reappearance by the former WCW president is long overdue.

Meanwhile, Mick Foley is another former face who has experience running Raw and was arguably one of the greatest of all time at it. As WWE commissioner in 2000, he was involved in some of the most memorable and genuinely entertaining segments of the millennium, so fans would welcome him back to the role with open arms.

Last but not least, giving Kurt Angle the keys to the kingdom would be a logical way of bringing him back into the fold after a decade away. It could later lead to an in-ring return as well, but either way, putting the Olympic gold medalist on SmackDown would lend credibility to the blue brand.

Graham Mirmina, aka Graham "GSM" Matthews, is a Digital Journalism major at Endicott College. Visit his website, Next Era Wrestling, and "like" his official Facebook page to continue the conversation on all things wrestling.

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