Manager (professional wrestling)
In
professional wrestling, a
manager is a non-wrestler character who is paired with a wrestler. A manager usually tends to be male; female managers are usually called
valets, and a wrestler who accompanies others to the ring is often referred to as an
enforcer.
In
kayfabe, a manager is somewhat like an
agent for an
actor or an
athlete; he helps his client to
book matches and promotional appearances, and otherwise to further his career. Outside of
storylines, a manager's job is to generate
heat and to help the wrestler he's paired with get
over.
Heel managers also assist their clients in winning matches, either by distracting their opponents or distracting the referee while an illegal move is used.
In the early years of pro wrestling, up until the mid
1990s, managers were very common because they served another purpose. Their job was to cut
promos on behalf of their clients who may not be as charismatic (or had
gimmicks in which they had to be silent). As such, all managers were required to have the gift of the gab, though it was possible to see a manager paired with a wrestler who had no trouble with promos. In this case, the manager's role is to help his/her client cheat in matches.
*
Bobby "The Brain" Heenan*
James E. Cornette*
James J. Dillon*
Paul Heyman (AKA Paul E. Dangerously)*
Miss Elizabeth*
"The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart*
Sunny (AKA Tammy Lynn Sytch)*
"Classy" Freddie Blassie*
The Grand Wizard*
Captain Lou Albano*
Arnold Skaaland*
Missy Hyatt*
Slick*
Sherri Martel*
Mr. Fuji*
Paul Bearer (AKA Percy Pringle III)*
Sonny Onoo*
Bill Alfonso*
Beulah McGillicutty*
Francine*
Theodore Long*
Terri Runnels*
Woman (AKA Nancy Daus)*
Debra*
Daffney*
James Mitchell*
Lita*
Trish Stratus*
Stacy Keibler*
Scott D'Amore*
Dave Prazak*
Daivari*
Sharmell*
Melina*
Gail Kim*
Armando Alejandro Estrada*
Julius Smokes*
Prince Nana*
So Cal Val*
Jillian Hall*
List of managers
