Wrestling as an industry is ostensibly all about the talent performing in the ring, but in truth, without the influential members of the industry behind the scenes, it would never be where it is today. A great deal of people who arent involved with in-ring action help make the industry what it is, and they deserve a moment in the spotlight as much as any wrestler. With that in mind, and to give them the attention they deserve, this article will explore fifteen powerful non-wrestlers in the industry throughout its history and the effect they had on it. It should be noted that by no means is this a comprehensive list of people who have influenced the industry, but the point here is to indulge the status of some of the names who have shaped the industry in major ways since its inception. Agree with the rankings? Disagree? I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments. Enjoy!
15. Jim Cornette
Jim Cornette is one of those guys who has done a little bit of everything. He's been a manager, a color commentator, a booker, a creative director, and he even opened his own promotioneven though it failed years later. If you're looking for someone that's done it all outside of the ring, Jim Cornette would be high up on that list. Just consider his resume, which include stints with NWA, WCW, his own Smoky Mountain Wrestling, WWE, TNA, and finally Ring of Honor. Cornette had an impact no matter where he went, whether it was through creative direction or management of talent. Who's Cornette managed? How about Owen Hart, Yokozuna, Sherri, Christopher Daniels, Jeff Jarrett and the British Bulldog, just to name a handful. Where has Cornette had creative influence? How about TNA, WCW, WWE and Ring of Honor. The guy has a portfolio that's tough to match, and other than his failed venture at his own wrestling promotion, arguments can be made that he was successful no matter where he went. Cornette has won several awards, both inside the industrysuch as being inducted into the NWA Hall of Fameand outside, via established wrestling magazine companies, including winning Best Booker, Best Non-Wrestler, and Manager of the Year. Cornette deserves a moment on this list.
Jim Cornette is one of those guys who has done a little bit of everything. He's been a manager, a color commentator, a booker, a creative director, and he even opened his own promotioneven though it failed years later. If you're looking for someone that's done it all outside of the ring, Jim Cornette would be high up on that list. Just consider his resume, which include stints with NWA, WCW, his own Smoky Mountain Wrestling, WWE, TNA, and finally Ring of Honor. Cornette had an impact no matter where he went, whether it was through creative direction or management of talent. Who's Cornette managed? How about Owen Hart, Yokozuna, Sherri, Christopher Daniels, Jeff Jarrett and the British Bulldog, just to name a handful. Where has Cornette had creative influence? How about TNA, WCW, WWE and Ring of Honor. The guy has a portfolio that's tough to match, and other than his failed venture at his own wrestling promotion, arguments can be made that he was successful no matter where he went. Cornette has won several awards, both inside the industrysuch as being inducted into the NWA Hall of Fameand outside, via established wrestling magazine companies, including winning Best Booker, Best Non-Wrestler, and Manager of the Year. Cornette deserves a moment on this list.