Pro wrestling authority figures (both real and kayfabe)
Heel authority figures have been played out for decades, but LU breathed some fresh air into it by casting a non-wrestler to play the part of an amoral, conniving promoter who jerks people around for his own purposes (and is secretly a murderous sorceror planning to summon the Aztec gods and bring about an apocalypse, but that’s another topic.)
Pro wrestling authority figures (both real and kayfabe)
“Excuse me!” She really grew into the role. Part of the duality of McMahon, keeping her on the payroll as long as he did. Doesn’t make up for his other side, but explains why some people have mixed or even positive feelings towards him.
Pro wrestling authority figures (both real and kayfabe)
Tunney was the legit head of Maple Leaf out of Toronto when it became a sort of independent sub-promotion under the WWF umbrella - from the early '80s to the mid '90s, whenever WWF ran a show north of the border, it was technically a Maple Leaf show being promoted by Tunney. Vince, who was not yet “out” to viewers as the CEO of WWF, made Tunney the kayfabe president of the company, and he would appear in TV segments to issue rulings on controversial finishes and to make matches, such as when he booked the Hogan vs. Undertaker match for This Tuesday In Texas, or when he ordered Bobby Heenan to come out of retirement and wrestle Big Boss Man as punishment for disparaging Bossman’s mother in his promos. He was stern, impartial, and beyond reproach like a real sports commissioner would be.
Pro wrestling authority figures (both real and kayfabe)
Chris Jericho’s constant complaints to him were hilarious.
Pro wrestling authority figures (both real and kayfabe)
The spiritual successor to Jack Tunney, he ran a tight ship during his half-decade as NXT General Manager, refused to take any guff from anyone, and generally made matches and decisions that kept the fans happy. He’s no longer the GM since his stint in AEW and his return, but he appointed Ava Raine as his successor and seems to be playing a mentor role for her.
Pro wrestling authority figures (both real and kayfabe)
He’s probably the least controversial authority figure, as he was originally a backstage producer and coach that VKM promoted to be a stooge for out-of-control mavericks to beat up. He actually had a pretty lengthy career in Mexico, Japan, RoH and NWA before retiring from in-ring action in 2014. He’s coached celebrities like Bad Bunny and Logan Paul for WWE appearances, and was a trainer at NXT’s Performance Center.
Pro wrestling authority figures (both real and kayfabe)
Sting beat Ric Flair to become WCW president and relinquished the role back to the Executive Committee shortly thereafter.
Pro wrestling authority figures (both real and kayfabe)
The Austin/McMahon feud from 98 was one of the most popular feuds at the time as well as the most commercially successful storylines of the 90s.
Pro wrestling authority figures (both real and kayfabe)
At one point he was named WCW president for life. Obviously that didn’t last.
Pass. (It was my topic.)
Unique versions of a wrestler’s entrance or music
Early in his career beford he joined Bullet Club, Omega had a gamer persona, which lead to him naming his finisher the One-Winged Angel after Sephiroth’s final form in Final Fantasy VII. For this match against Will Ospreay for the US title, he entered to Sephiroth’s theme music and was dressed like him, complete with one angel wing.
Unique versions of a wrestler’s entrance or music
He came out to Johnny Cash’s “Ain’t No Grave (Can Hold My Body Down)” for his match against Triple H. They didn’t want to pay the home video royalties, though, so his regular music was dubbed over on the DVD and WWE Network.
Unique versions of a wrestler’s entrance or music
For his show-opening match against Daniel Bryan, Hunter was wheeled out on a giant throne, accompanied by a trio of masked Valkyries played by future main eventers Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte, wearing a golden skull mask, chainmail coif, cape with Iron Cross collar, and crown, clutching a warhammer. It was one of the most intimidating entrances I’ve ever seen and definitely had a “final boss” vibe to it.
Gonna be a lot of Wrestlemanias on this list, I think.
Unique versions of a wrestler’s entrance or music
His entrance was preceded by a woman in a mask, tribal outfit, and bare feet doing an elaborate sword dance around a burning barrel to some percussion instruments. After the part where Bray went, “New Orleans… We’re here!”, they came down the aisle while Mark Croser and the Rels played them down, also wearing costumes. The main singer looked like he had his mouth sewn shut, while the band was wearing plague doctor masks.
Unique versions of a wrestler’s entrance or music
You all have seen it. Nothing more needs to be said about this.
Unique versions of a wrestler’s entrance or music
Debuting their new song Honkytonk Man and driven in a pink Cadilac by the future Diamond Dallas Paige.
Unique versions of a wrestler’s entrance or music
When Jim Herd was head booker, he thought this was an effective way to tie WCW to Ted Turner’s other pet project of airing MGM movies like The Wizard of Oz.
This is cringe incarnate.
As a castle scrim covered the “SuperBrawl” entrance stage and ominous music echoed throughout the arena, a brooding voice was heard. With fog filling the entrance ramp and green strobe lights flashing, the voice said, “Once upon a time in a land far away, there lived a wizard. But not the Wizard of Oz. His name was The Great Wizard and he ruled the Kingdom of Oz.”
On the ramp appeared Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion. They were being led towards the entrance stage by The Great Wizard, who was heard saying, “Welcome to Oz, haha. Welcome to Oz.” The voice narration continued, “And now our weary travelers are at the end of their journey as they face the Emerald City.”
Suddenly, a wall of flames emerged in front of the scrim. When the flames subsided, there stood an imposing and towering figure with his back to all. “Welcome to Oz, don’t be afraid,” said The Great Wizard as the group tried to keep Cowardly Lion from fleeing. As the group got closer, the ominous music played faster until they were feet away.
“I am Oz, the great and powerful,” said a deep voice as Oz slowly turned. “Who are you? Who are you? The great and powerful Oz knows why you have come. How dare you come to me. I will show you who Oz really is. I will show the world who Oz really is.”
And led to Kevin Sullivan accidentally killing a monkey.
Unique versions of a wrestler’s entrance or music
Dude rode a Soviet T-55 tank down the ramp. Nothing more needs to be said.
Unique versions of a wrestler’s entrance or music
There are many WrestleMania entrances for Cena I could have included, but I especially liked this one. It took place in Chicago. While gangsterland 1930s music played, an old-timey car came out, with guys in hats and long coats (including a pre-main roster CM Punk) both in and hanging off the vehicle, holding tommy guns.
Then Cena came out, wearing a hat and long coat, and carrying a tommy gun of his own. While his theme music played, Cena fired off the gun, and made his way to the ring for his WWE Title defense against Triple H.
Unique versions of a wrestler’s entrance or music
Hot Rod comes to the ring accompanied by a Highlander Pipe&Drum corp. to wrestle some guy.
Next: Funniest Tag Team
Arlene and Phyllis carry their mops and pails to the ring so they can “scrub those tramps”.