10 Best WWE Roster "Shake-Up" Moves

At the dawn of 2003, after several years of playing a largely non-descript WWE referee, Long resurfaced in his old managerial role, first guiding D-Lo Brown, followed by Rodney Mack. Long's fast-talking invective and unflinching delivery made him a revelation in what was mostly a bland Raw program throughout 2003. In 2004, it was off to the blue brand he went.

Long would become the show's general manager that summer, following a forgotten stint managing Mark Jindrak. He would reign for much of the next eight years as brand figurehead, save for some storyline hiccups in the midst. Long's tenure was welcome in that it wasn't a cliched "evil heel boss" screwing over the babyfaces, but rather a fair overseer with a fun-loving attitude.

Sure, he had a propensity for turning everything into a "tag TEAM match, playa!" (lazy writing, not of Long's doing), but that was part of his charm. Long was quotable, and didn't get in the way of major storylines. That's certainly better than emasculating the wrestlers to suit one's ego.