10 Greatest Wrestling Managers Ever

As a wrestling manager myself for close to 6 years, I've had the pleasure of working with some of the best talent in the UK when performing as James R. Kennedy. From Bram, Sha Samuels and Nick 'Magnus' Aldis, to WCPW's own 'Local Hero' Joe Hendry, I've been fortunate enough to cut promos for and with some incredible performers.

Working extensively in ICW, I've recently made my way to WCPW, where I've hooked up with great young talent like Lucas Archer and Alex Gracie. The future is bright, because I love working alongside those with clear potential, eventually helping them then strike out on their own and become established.

With someone like Hendry, that was easy, because he's so good. I often wonder if that's how Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan felt when working with Ric Flair, talent like that makes a manager's job fun.

Yet, the art of the pro wrestling manager is one often overlooked in terms of importance by those in the industry. Guys like Paul Heyman have helped the idea become trendy once more, but he's hardly a new face on the scene.

He is however one of the best, joining a list of men and women who are undoubtedly excellent at what they do. Let's look at the top 10 managers who have both inspired me and become synonymous with the craft.

These are the greatest of all time...

Recently, Paul Ellering made his return to the fold on NXT. Sadly, a lot of fans in attendance didn't seem to know who the manager was, chanting such in his direction. Those who have followed his career know that he was perhaps the only one who could successfully manage The Road Warriors.

For a decade, Ellering flanked Hawk and Animal throughout the 1980's, before eventually joining up with them again in the WWF for a brief spell. Something that made him so special was the fact he had actually been an in-ring performer prior to his work as a manager, retiring specifically so that he could focus on managing the infamous tag-team.

Ellering always looks dapper in his suits, and had a silent magnetism to him that worked well with The Road Warriors. His promo work has long been under-rated, which is a shame because his commanding style was perfect for the colourful visual charisma offered up by Hawk and Animal.

In contrast to the spiked outfits and facepaint his wrestlers wore, Ellering came across as quietly confident that they'd destroy you if you touched him. He's always been overlooked.