Brock Lesnar ending the Undertaker's winning streak at Wrestlemania 30 and Cesaro's climb to even greater renown in WWE both share one man in common - Paul Heyman. Moreso than any other member of the active roster, Heyman's unique ability to garner heat for performers in the role of manager is possibly one of the least discussed - yet most important roles that any on-screen character has in the company. Key to Heyman's presentation of late is his proclamation that he is the greatest manager in the history of World Wrestling Entertainment. As a heel, his audacious claim is meant to be the pomposity that leads to a cascade of boos. However, if studying the art of pro wrestling, is there truth to Heyman's bold statement? In the annals of WWE's history of ringside seconds, managers and generally conniving men and women patrolling ringside, is Heyman the best to ever do it? If not, then who are? And moreover, is Heyman even on a list of say, the top five? Keep reading.
5. Captain Lou Albano
Whether as a heel guiding Ivan Koloff to being the man who finally defeated Bruno Sammartino, being the reason why Pat Patterson became a bad guy, or introducing the WWF to the the Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika), or as a babyface in the 80s managing the U.S. Express (Dan Spivey and Mike Rotunda) and the British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Snith and the Dynamite Kid), to the last of an incredible run of being the manager of record for the (then) WWF Tag Team Champions, Captain Lou Albano excelled. His wild, slovenly look, manic demeanor and frenetic, seemingly scatterbrained promos certainly entertained. However, "The Captain" was certainly much more than the guy with the rubber bands safety-pinned to his face. Beneath that exterior was a one-tme ring veteran with the Sicilians tag-team, and thus, he was able to break down the art of wrestling, training and conditioning with a level of gravitas that belied his character (and gave him surprising depth). However, it was when the World Wrestling Federation embraced a more broad-reaching and character-driven promotional style where Albano ultimately excelled and truly became one of the five best managers of all time. Managers are very rarely so over that they become sympathetic babyfaces who are able to support an entire main event feud on their work. However, in 1984, Captain Lou was in such a situation. Starting innocently enough after a chance meeting on a plane flight from Puerto Rico to New York City, the story involving Captain Lou Albano and 80's pop icon Cyndi Lauper in the WWF is one of the oddest - yet most engaging - "Rock and Wrestling" stories ever told in the company's history. Lou starred in Lauper's video for "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," and then swiftly embroiled himself in a feud with the pop star claiming himself as the reason behind the video's wild success. Their issue led to Albano championing the Fabulous Moolah and Lauper seconding Wendi Richter for a WWF Women's Championship match at July 1984's Brawl To End It All. However, by the end of 1984, Albano's real-life brother passed away from issues dealing with multiple sclerosis (MS), and Albano decided to become a babyface performer after being a heel for over three decades. This led to Albano scheduling a presentation to Lauper of an award for her support for those suffering with MS, as well as the gold record for "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Cue Roddy Piper and Bob Orton interfering and Albano being smashed over the back with the gold record. By February 1985's War To Settle The Score, Lauper and Albano seconded Hulk Hogan as he wrestled Roddy Piper for the WWF Championship. Though the #1 babyface in the company at the time, it was the attack of Albano (and not Hogan being the man to stand up to the bullies) that ultimately provided the drawing card.
Besides having been an independent professional wrestling manager for a decade, Marcus Dowling is a Washington, DC-based writer who has contributed to a plethora of online and print magazines and newspapers writing about music and popular culture over the past 15 years.
