Summer Rae and the Best Potential WWE Raw GM Candidates to Replace Mick Foley

Now that Mick Foley is out as WWE Raw general manager, a path to a Summer Rae renaissance has opened up.

Rae's career has stalled as the red brand's other women enjoy opportunities she hasn't. Rather than keep her off-camera so much, WWE would be wise to let her stroll out on center stage in a suit as Raw's supervisor.

She is among the most intriguing choices out there, even with bigger names possibly taking that spot.

The GM role is suddenly open because of Foley's recent departure. Commissioner Stephanie McMahon ended a tumultuous relationship with her subordinate on the most recent edition of Raw when she fired Foley on the air.

To replace him, WWE can choose to go with an infusion of star power or use the GM position as a means to elevate an emerging talent.

Ideal candidates have to possess charisma and presence. Experience helps, too. The dynamic they would have with the Superstars and McMahon has to be a big consideration, as well.

Regardless of whoever gets the gig, though, WWE has to tone down its dependence on this part of the show. Raw is at its best when its authority figures are not the main stars but supporting players instead. 

Summer Rae

The "Summer Rae as GM" route could spark a hot stretch for an idle star.

Rae has been a non-factor in the women's division for too long. At least Alicia Fox is getting to play Noam Dar's love interest. Rae, meanwhile, has been relegated to the end of the bench for months.

Raw would be better off making her McMahon's underling. The dynamic between her and The Billionaire Princess could be intriguing, especially if the commissioner abuses the former NXT talent until she rebels.

This would be a chance for Rae to show off her charisma in a role that would suit her well. 

She's not nearly as good as women like Becky Lynch in the ring, but she has presence. That should be on display in some fashion.

In addition, Rae has experience to lean on. She served as GM for Florida Championship Wrestling, WWE's former developmental territory.

Kurt Angle

The Olympian is a no-brainer option for Foley's replacement.

The Hardcore Legend himself is behind Angle as GM. In a discussion on that subject, Foley responded to a fan on Facebook, "Kurt would be a great choice."

Angle is funny. He wields a ton of star power. And it would be exciting to see him on WWE TV again after several years away from the company. 

He and WWE have clearly repaired their relationship as the former world champ is headlining this year's Hall of Fame class.

This partnership can and should lead to a match or two, but in the meantime, allowing Angle to run Raw and showcase his personality is a good move. His role as GM could easily lead into whatever in-ring feud WWE has in mind for him.

Lana

Lana was once one of the most compelling characters on WWE programming. WWE has since watered down her act, stripping her of her hunger for power and her iron-fisted leadership skills.

A run as Raw GM would be a chance to revive Lana.

Should The Ravishing Russian take over the Raw brand, she could give her husband Rusev favorable treatment. She would likely make things difficult for those who have clashed with him in the past.

Beyond that, she could morph into a cold tyrant who is one of the stars of the show.

That would be huge for Rusev, who would surely gain some of her momentum by osmosis. And afterward, Lana could transition into a manager for other wrestlers, building on what she did while in control of Raw.

Plus, like with Rae, WWE wouldn't have to shell out extra money to have her onboard. She's already on the roster.

John Laurinaitis

There is plenty of storyline logic for John Laurinaitis to take over as GM.

He has previous experience running the show, for one. The raspy-voiced executive was Raw's head man in 2011 and 2012. He's also a yes man, a trait McMahon will love after dealing with Foley. 

The return of People Power would be worth it just to see Kevin Owens berate him each week. Laurinaitis was CM Punk's verbal punching bag for a long time. KO could take over for Punk, delivering entertaining abuse along the way.

His dynamic with McMahon would be something to watch as well. He could begin as a subservient lackey, only to try to take over eventually.

Steve Austin

WWE can't do better in terms of star power than to bring back Stone Cold as GM.

Austin is an icon in the industry. It doesn't matter that his last match happened 14 years ago; crowds erupt for each of his cameos.

He could boost ratings, at least for a short spell, in a GM role.

And he's shown he can thrive in that spot. Austin co-ran Raw in the early 2000s. He was funny and engaging during much of that period.

The Texas Rattlesnake interacting with the stars of The New Era would create some intriguing moments. Austin facing off with folks like Owens, Roman Reigns and Charlotte Flair would make for good theater.

Raw could also play up Austin's rebelliousness. A WWE.com article on potential replacement GMs noted that Austin could "help remake the locker room into the kind of risk-taking talent factory that fueled the Attitude Era."