The role of being Raw's General Manager has been something of a poisoned chalice over the years. For one reason or another everyone who has taken the job has experienced some kind of tough love when it comes to either their sacking or their actual time in the position. But hey, they knew what they were getting themselves in for from the start, right?
In kayfabe, yes. The question we want to ask today is what would happen if one of these five MMA fighters decided to take up the position on a full time basis? Obviously it would be a little different from their usual day to day profession, but we're confident that they can do it just as well as alot of people who have held the role in the past.
Now that isn't saying much when you look down the list of former employers, but still - let's try and remain positive about this. Alot of mixed martial artists feel the need to talk some trash in the build up to a big fight, which is one of the many reasons why alot of them already have a decent pedigree when it comes to promos in the world of professional wrestling.
So with that in mind, let's take a look at five MMA fighters who could be Raw General Manager.
Chael Sonnen
We all know that Chael Sonnen is a loudmouth, but just how useful would he be if we put him in a scenario where he could talk for hours on end? Sonnen that irritating kind of voice that would just grind on the WWE Universe. However, he also has the wrestling background necessary to assert his authority and get in the squared circle if needs be.
Chael is essentially a man of many masks and is able to adapt to alot of different situations. Some people feel as if he doesn't have nearly enough experience in pro wrestling to make this kind of thing work, but he can learn on the job and he's still young enough to the point where he could have a real impact. It'll seem obvious to some and pointless to others, but it'll work.
Onto a man who has a known love for the business.
Daniel Cormier
No matter how hard Daniel Cormier tries to be a babyface, UFC fans just won't allow it to happen. So many of them like to boo the champion for reasons unknown by many, however we believe that he should steer into the skid and play the GM role entirely as a heel. After all, that's what he seems to be good at and he can also get in the ring if the situation calls for it.
Cormier is a commanding guy and his passion would be evident upon making his debut. He seems to be coming towards the back end of his MMA career given his age and as such, he needs to start thinking about alternative paths for his future. The WWE would treat him well and he could have a long tenure in the company if all goes well.
Over to the women now for someone who you wouldn't want to mess with.
Paige VanZant
Paige VanZant is known for being one of the poster girls of the UFC. They tend to put the youngster on alot of banners and promotional material and in truth, it's a smart tactic because the girl can actually fight. Unfortunately she doesn't quite appear to be at the level that many people thought, and the WWE have already shown interest in her in the past.
As the cute, innocent looking general manager VanZant could echo how the role was portrayed by the likes of AJ Lee. She's quickly become a fan favourite and she's young enough to the point where if she wanted to transition into becoming an in-ring competitor, it would certainly be within the realms of possibility. Make this happen, WWE.
Now to a man who would cause havoc on Monday Night Raw.
Conor McGregor
You just knew he was going to be included. The Notorious One is all about making good business decisions and becoming Raw's general manager would certainly fall into that category. The guy clearly has a little big man persona and that would work wonders in this role, as he could surround himself with half a dozen tall bodyguards at any given time.
Everyone would be dieing to get their hands on him but they wouldn't be able to, making the eventual pay off of seeing him get his face smashed in all the more worth it. Conor's eventual move into the world of professional wrestling has felt inevitable for a long time now, and given the fact that he's already drifting away from MMA this makes all the sense in the world.
We conclude with the funnest option of them all.
Stipe Miocic
How can you not love Stipe Miocic? The hero of Cleveland is one of the most charismatic guys in the UFC right now and there's a reason why he's the Heavyweight Champion of the world - because's a tough dude. His resume speaks for itself and Raw could use an amusing big guy babyface at the helm, mainly due to the fact that in storyline Stephanie would hate it.
Miocic could more than handle himself in the ring but we like the idea of keeping his role as just the general manager for now, and then he could perhaps have a match or two down the line if a certain storyline required it. Miocic is just bundles of fun and his personality is infectious, which is something the WWE Universe desperately needs right now.
