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Last week, we heard a song that we have come to dread with time, and no, it was not sung by Justin Bieber. Instead, it was Stephanie McMahon's theme signalling her arrival, back into the mix.
She accused Angle of letting things get out of hand, and even gave him an ultimatum, to get things in order. We assume that we are going to see friction between the two authority figures in the coming weeks, eventually leading to Kurt Angle's dismissal.
Remember her angle (no pun intended) with Mick Foley? We suspect that it will be much the same with her once on-screen flame, Kurt Angle, as well.
In case Angle does decide to step away from his on-screen managerial role, who could step into his enormous boots? We list five likely contenders.
Let us know in the comments, if you agree or even disagree, with any of the names mentioned.
#5 Sting
Sting is no stranger to the role of an Authority figure. He dabbled in it for a bit during his time in TNA, and as we recently reported, he's playing one in an Independent Canadian promotion, as well.
The WWE Hall of Famer may be one of the few people in sports entertainment who is just as recognised as Kurt Angle is, and therefore could be a worthy replacement for the man.
It would be interesting to see his dynamic with Seth Rollins, considering that he retired Sting, if 'The Icon' were to take the job. He's one of the few names that would not be an underwhelming replacement, if Angle did get fired.
The night after Sting made his debut, RAW drew 4.29 million viewers. These days, 3 million is considered to be a strong week! There is a lot of equity in the legendary face painted man, with or without the paint.
#4 Eric Bischoff
Eric Bischoff is acknowledged as the best General Manager that RAW ever had, in its storied history.
Even though the man is best known for leading the charge against Vince McMahon during the Monday Night Wars, he had a second career that was as illustrious as an Authority Figure on RAW. There are few natural heels like Bischoff in professional wrestling history.
Fans of the classic era of RAW would love to see a return from this dastardly, silver-haired General Manager, who still is one of the best minds in the wrestling business. There are few men who get as much natural heat as Bischoff does.
Bischoff and Stephanie McMahon have history and can also play off each other, if he is brought in. Of course, Stephanie would want someone dastardly to do her dirty work. And there is none more dastardly than one Eric Bischoff is.
#3 Jim Cornette
There are few men in wrestling who can command the audience like Jim Cornette does, really. The best manager in history, not named Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan, Jim Cornette had great runs as the Authority Figure in various promotions.
Even his recent run in TNA, and especially his interactions with Konnan, were particularly brilliant. Check out the video linked below for more proof. There are few men in wrestling who can play both babyface and heel and keep an audience intrigued.
We know that WWE has patched up with Cornette despite the fact that they haven't always seen eye to eye, in the near past. Why else would they invite him to be a part of the Hall of Fame ceremony and also be part of a Network special?
Cornette may not be as famous a figure as the men we've mentioned thus far, but he has a cult following and could definitely make the show very exciting indeed.
#2 Trish Stratus
Trish Stratus may be a reminder of a time when women's wrestling meant different things than what it does now, but one cannot dispute the fact that she was incredibly over! If she were to replace Kurt Angle, she would solve one central issue with RAW.
Stephanie McMahon is infamous for slapping everyone she confronts, male or female. In this era where men hitting women, even in kayfabe, is frowned upon, seldom does anyone get his comeuppance when it comes to retaliating against Stephanie McMahon. Enter the stunning Trish Stratus.
Stratus would be able to slap Stephanie McMahon, if the latter went heel on her and slapped her first. In due time, of course, it could even possibly lead to a match between the two women.
#1 Edge
Edge is one of those superstars who had to retire much before his time was up owing to a string of injuries. His fans clamour for his return, and it is not surprising that his podcast with Christian is so successful among fans in the current wrestling fraternity.
Even though Edge cannot compete in the ring anymore, he can certainly partake in the action as an Authority figure, we believe. He is amazing on the microphone and as we have seen in the past, he is still over with the crowd!
Edge watches the current product on a regular basis and is familiar with a lot of active superstars. We believe that he would be absolutely perfect for the said role.
What do you think of our picks? Agree, disagree or don't really care? Let us know in the comments below, folks. We'd love to hear from you!
