6 Things WWE Can Learn From Lucha Underground

6. How To Better Utilize Managers

If you are looking for an example of how to use a professional wrestling manger effectively, look no further than Lucha Underground’s Famous B.

One of the things that make his character work is that his purpose for being there is clearly defined. He is in Lucha Underground to make wrestlers famous in order to get his cut of their earnings. They also devote time to establishing his character, like the segment in the first half of season 3 where Son of Havoc is watching Famous B's sleazy commercial on television. Moreover, B’s humorous antics outside the ring add flair to his client Dr. Wagner, who is a solid in ring performer but needs a little boost in the personality department.

Conversely, WWE has managers like Bob Backlund who want to “make Darren Young great again.” Why exactly does he want to do this?

Is Backlund simply a nice guy?

Are they longtime friends?

In the case of Backlund, there is no real angle or motive for his action, thus making the character difficult to invest in, which in turns means he adds little to the character he is trying to manage.

If WWE wants the few managers they have to be effective they need to clearly define their characters the way Lucha Underground does with Famous B.