10 Most Vicious Wrestling Manager Beatdowns
Paul Heyman being choked out by Samoa Joe ranks as one of the greatest manager assaults.
It takes balls to challenge Brock Lesnar, let alone attack his dear friend and advocate. Samoa Joe has those great balls of fire as he did precisely that on Raw. The new number-one contender showed no fear, vowing to win the Universal Championship at the June pay-per-view.
When Paul Heyman surprisingly showed up, he commended Joe on earning the title shot, even calling him Lesnar’s worst case scenario. It was a civil discussion, a calm before the storm. Unfortunately for Heyman, he was in the eye of it. Joe backed Heyman into the corner, softly telling him exactly what he was about to do to him, and then he did it. He choked Heyman out.
It was a fantastic angle that has everyone hyped for the title fight. It also showed how important a manager can be in promoting such matches. Heyman’s words effectively set up the scenario, and his beatdown leaves the Beast looking for revenge. Managers have been taking an ass-kicking for years, and this ranks up with some of the best.
10. HotRod Smashes Capt. Lou’s Award
During
the buildup to the inaugural WrestleMania, Cyndi Lauper was given a special
achievement award for her contributions to women’s wrestling. At least that’s
the malarkey Dick Clark spewed – the pop singer was really in attendance to
honor Capt. Lou Albano, her father in the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun video.
As
she presented Albano with a large plaque, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper entered the ring
and smashed it over his head. The Garden roared as Hot Rod put the boots to Capt.
Lou and Lauper, before bodyslamming her manager. The Hulkster hit the ring to
stop the chaos, and the spark was lit for the War to Settle the Score.