WWE Needs More Managers: 5 Superstars Who Could Fill the Role

Whatever happened to the wrestling manager?  For those of us who grew up with the baddest of the bad guys accompanied to the ring by greats such Classy Freddie Blassie, Jimmy Hart, Bobby Heenan and not-so-greats like Kim Chee and The Coach—John Tolos version, not Coachman—the WWE in 2011 is a strange land, with Vicki Guerrero as the only full-time manager on the roster.  Even the Guerrero stable could be better, as it should be larger and getting more screw-job wins.

There are plenty of guys and gals not on the current WWE roster who I think would make excellent managers, for example Mr. Bob Backlund.  But, here are five current WWE superstars who could easily gravitate into a managing role, and there are plenty of wrestlers who could use the help, especially on the mic.

Michael Cole

For the longest time, I didn't want to give Michael Cole a chance.  Whether as a straight announcer or a heel, the only positive for Cole was that he wasn't Todd Pettingill. 

Lately, however, his obnoxiousness and chemistry with Booker T—sometimes the most entertaining facet of Smackdown—have won me over.  He would be excellent in someone's corner, but that would also leave a huge gap at the broadcast table.  Jim Ross appears to be retired from regular commentary and, unfortunately, it doesn't appear Joey Styles is coming back to the mic anytime soon.

Golddust

Golddust was one of the few truly weird characters that became enormously popular, so why the heck is he only working on NXT? 

He can still cut a mean promo and even show the way for the guys who look like deer in headlights whenever a mic is put in their hands.  And, of course, this could always lead to a feud with his little brother Intercontinental Champ.

David Otunga

Come on, the lawyer can talk, can't he? 

The company has hardly given him a chance, but what better way to talk than to manage?  David could still wrestle if he wanted, but he'd have a shot at TV every week if he put on the shark skin suit, grabbed the mic and talked his "clients" into title shots.

Teddy Long

He's ok as the general manager of Smackdown, but Teddy Long was never better than his days in old school WCW, as the manager of Doom. 

Why isn't the only man dressing like—dated reference alert—Billy Eckstine doing more than telling guys to 'holla' after making matches?

The Brooklyn Brawler

Backstage agent Steve Lombardi seems to be regarded as one of the best of the best in the locker room.  He's always been a great worker, and there's no reason his backstage work with young guys couldn't be translated into an on-air mentoring role. 

Mentoring them in things like cigar chomping—provided they can get away with that in these anti-tobacco ruled days—and Brooklyn table manners, perhaps, but mentoring that would make for good television nonetheless.