Whether you consider them managers, valets or Divas, women have played a key role at ringside for more-than half a century. Some have been stunningly beautiful. Others? Not so much. Some have been doubly tough, the types that could mix it up with the very men their charges squared off against every night, if the time called for it, of course. Others? They were perfectly content to stand at ringside, cheering their men on and staying as far away from the action as possible. Whatever the case may be, they were integral to the success of the men they led to the squared circle. In 2014, "Bulgarian Brute" Rusev has dominated World Wrestling Entertainment with his super athleticism and unflinching desire to prove Russian supremacy over any and all Americans. By his side has been "Ravishing Russian" Lana, his devious blonde social ambassador. As great as Rusev has been, as much improvement as he has made since his debut, Lana is as important to his meteoric rise and the effectiveness of his character as anything the wrestler himself has accomplished. The way that she has excelled on the microphone, the command of the crowd that she has shown in such a short period of time is absolutely amazing. That she has mastered all of the little things that set generic female seconds apart from the elite is even more impressive and bodes well for her future in the industry. Who were the women that paved the way for Lana and made it possible for her to succeed in today's sports-entertainment landscape? Who were the best of the best, the cream of the crop? Take a look by clicking the "next" button to your right and joining us for a stroll down memory lane as we look back at the 10 greatest female managers ever!
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
