In the WWE, Vince McMahon is always the head guy to go to, but on the weekly WWE Raw program, day to day matches and storyline decisions are guided by the General Manager, formally known as the WWE commissioners. This role has been filled in by celebrity guests like Snoop Dogg in 2009, but the best WWE Raw general managers have been former wrestlers and figures that have been a large part of WWE and wrestling history. Here is a look at the Top 5 WWE General Managers to serve on WWE Raw.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: Austin was one of the best performers in the ring, but even when injuries prevented him from competing, fans still got to see him take control as Co-General Manager. Austin served alongside Eric Bishoff during his reign and during this time he mostly spent his time making Bishoff’s a nightmare. The two fought in several competitions including the Redneck Triathlon.
Austin has always defied authority in the WWE and having him become the authority helped add some chaotic moments to WWE programming. Hopefully one day in the future Austin will return to the WWE ring in a wrestling or commissioner form.
Eric Bishoff: While Bishoff lost most of his power during his co-managing duties with Austin, it was a historical moment on WWE Raw when Bishoff made his WWE debut and hugged Vince McMahon on stage. Bishoff brought in a lot of classic WCW feuds and was a great heel character for fans to root against.
On-air, he was responsible for introducing the Elimination Chamber at Survivor Series, but he was eliminated himself when John Cena gave him the Attitude Adjustment right into a garbage truck.
Mick Foley: Serving as commissioner more than three times, Mick Foley helped define the position in the WWE. When the crashing sound of his theme music came across the arena, fans knew Foley was up to something and he always helped the face wrestlers when needed.
Foley also wrestled for periods in-between his commissioner duties, providing fans with even more action during his time in the WWE. Some of his commissioner highlights include comedic moments where he would come out to make jokes at wrestlers, have his office in weird positions and feud with Vince McMahon.
Stg. Slaughter: Classic WWE wrestler Stg. Slaughter was known for feuds with Macho Man Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan, but younger WWE fans will remember him for his role as WWE commissioner.
His role was made memorable from a long-lasting feud with Shawn Michaels and Triple H during their first run as Degeneration X. Slaughter tried so hard to stop DX from causing havoc in the WWE.
Vickie Guerrero: Even though she only served as Raw General Manger for one night, Guerrero made a huge impact on WWE Smackdown as the General Manager there.
Vickie is the widow of her late husband Eddie Guerrero and she has become a household name just like him. Her catchphrase “Excuse Me” effectively annoys fans as she has become one of the most hated characters in WWE history.
Guerrero’s on-screen romance with Edge and the Big Show provided several comedic moments that helped lead in to Wrestlemania 25.