10 Awesome Wrestlers Who Had Terrible Managers

2. Dusty Rhodes (Sapphire)

Steve Austin Robert Parker
WWE.com

There was only one reason Dusty Rhodes was forced to endure the indignity of dancing alongside a manager several leagues below his level during his early '90s WWE run, and it was the same reason which apparently forced him into the polka dots: spite.

Admittedly, the extent of the NWA legend's sartorial humiliation has been overplayed over the years; Dusty may have looked like a clown, but he wasn't necessarily presented as one in programmes against Randy Savage and Ted DiBiase. If the change in clothes was needed to facilitate a connection with a more aesthetically-concerned, younger audience, the addition of an anchor in the form of 'common woman' Sapphire definitely wasn't.

Dusty agreed, and even insisted WWE fire her. By all accounts, Juanita Wright was committed and easy to work with, and over time, Sapphire's begrudging dance partner softened on her. She was said to have broken down in tears backstage when she learned her association with Rhodes was ending, as part of an angle in which she was bought by DiBiase. Sad though he may have been to see her go, Dusty nevertheless knew he didn't need a receipt.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.