Why WWE Raw and SmackDown Have Suffered Without Authority Figures

It's one of the simplest storyline dynamics in professional wrestling: Squeaky-clean babyface takes on an authority figure who is running riot on their promotion.

Some of the best feuds in history have been built on those foundations, and in-ring careers have been transformed by authority figure storylines done well.

But lately, WWE feels like it is missing a step in not having any on our screens.

Sure, the roster's talent is arguably greater than ever, and that should mean more exposure for the wrestlers without the need for tyrannical authority figures.

But with a lack of storyline depth across the board at the moment, here's why both Raw and SmackDown have struggled without on-screen bosses.

NXT Are Showing They Don't Have to Dominate TV

WWE has both good and bad history with authority figures. For every Vince McMahon, there is an anonymous Raw general manager.

But authority figures don't have to be on our screens every single week. Sometimes they can blend into the background and only appear when the storyline calls for them.

That's exactly how NXT handle William Regal and, in truth, it's one of many reasons why NXT is the best brand in the company at present. Everything it does seems to work, and that includes its handling of Regal.

A firm but fair authority figure, Regal is always on hand when chaos needs to be calmed, or when matches need to be sanctioned.

Sure, Raw and SmackDown would benefit from even an out-of-control authority figure right now, but even when things call for a calmer approach, there's always room for a boss at the head of a brand. Regal is proof of that.

It's a Great Way to Use Inactive or Aging Talent

Even though WWE has a long list of hugely talented wrestlers, there are always going to be some who are unable to compete because of injury.

A star can quickly fade, or even be forgotten, with a long injury lay-off, and as the company has shown in the past, one great way to keep them in fans' minds is by making them an authority figure.

Daniel Bryan is by far the most obvious example of that logic working, but there have been others. Kurt Angle's time as Raw general manager was fun enough, even though he was limited in terms of how often he competed.

Mick Foley probably wasn't quite as successful, but even so, it was another example of how to get legends of the business back involved with WWE.

With guys like Jason Jordan on the long-term injury list, getting them back involved on a weekly basis as an authority figure is just one reason why Raw and SmackDown have suffered without bosses running the brands.

The Top Babyfaces Don't Feel as Interesting

Seth Rollins is a prime example of why top babyfaces need authority figures to feud with.

Rollins has massively lost his way in recent months, but as soon as Triple H appeared a couple of weeks ago and evoked memories of former rivalries from years gone by, he felt interesting all of a sudden.

That's the point: Guys like Rollins, who are supposedly the top babyfaces in the company, thrive on a challenge. Triple H appearing and pointing out he'd lost his spark underlined why a great authority figure would truly bring the best out of him again.

Wrestling doesn't have to be complicated. A simple good versus evil battle can often prove to be among the most compelling storylines the industry has, and Rollins himself is proof of that in the past when he allied himself with The Authority.

But guys like him and Kevin Owens are struggling right now without that challenge. That just makes them feel less interesting, unfortunately.