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Throughout WWE history, the WWE Universe has seen its fair share of wild characters, personalities and on-screen performers.
Most of the time those personalities are professional wrestlers who compete in the squared circle, much to the addulation of the audience inside the arena and the viewing audience at home.
However, it's not always just the professional wrestlers and WWE Superstars that are beloved by the paying audience. Some of the biggest, brightest and most beloved personalities in WWE history have actually been non-wrestlers.
Commentators, interviewers, ring announcers and managers all bring their own distinct personalities and charisma to WWE television. Therefore some of the best on-screen characters are the ones not competing inside of a WWE ring.
With that in mind, let's take a closer look at five of the most beloved WWE personalities who weren't wrestlers.
#5 Former WWE announcer Jim Ross
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is widely regarded as the greatest play-by-play commentator in professional wrestling history.
Good ol' JR has had numerous spells with WWE throughout his career. During these spells Jim Ross has called some of the most iconic matches and moments in WWE history.
This includes Mankind being thrown off the Hell in a Cell by The Undertaker in 1998, Hulk Hogan facing off against The Rock at WrestleMania in 2002 and Stone Cold Steve Austin winning his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania XIV.
JR's unrivaled passion, commitment and unique voice quickly led him to becoming beloved by professional wrestling fans around the world as he provided the lyrics to the music they love so dearly.
After departing WWE in 2019, Jim Ross signed with All Elite Wrestling. JR currently serves as the lead play-by-play announcer for AEW Dynamite and acts as a senior advisor for the promotion.
#4 Former WWE manager Miss Elizabeth
Former WWE manager Miss Elizabeth is widely considered to be one of the greatest managers in WWE history.
She made her WWE debut in 1985 when she was revealed to be the new manager of "Macho Man" Randy Savage. In reality, Savage and Elizabeth were real life husband and wife.
Miss Elizabeth guided Randy Savage to major success in WWE, including reigns with the Intercontinental Championship and later the WWE Championship.
Elizabeth also managed Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan's tag team, The Mega Powers. However, the team eventually split due to Savage's obsession that Hogan was "lusting" after Elizabeth.
The Macho Man was then managed by Sensational Sherri for a period of time before Savage and Elizabeth reunited on-screen in 1991, and this led to an on-screen wedding at SummerSlam that year.
In 1992, Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth divorced in real life. Elizabeth left WWE and quietly retired before returning to professional wrestling in WCW in 1996.
Elizabeth tragically passed away in 2003 and is still considered to be one of the greatest managers and beloved personalities in WWE history.
#3 Current WWE manager Paul Heyman
WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is currently utilizing Paul Heyman as his "special counsel" on Friday Night SmackDown.
Some within the WWE Universe consider Paul Heyman to be one of the greatest managers in professional wrestling history.
Paul Heyman has managed a record six WWE World Heavyweight Champions during his already legendary career. These names include Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, The Big Show, Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam and CM Punk.
The former ECW owner is also regarded as one of the greatest speakers in professional wrestling history too. Many cite Paul Heyman as one of the best promos currently in the company today.
Despite the booes that Paul Heyman often receives from the WWE Universe, nobody can question Paul Heyman's talent and ability to see, develop and manage a star.
Despite working as a heel manager throughout his WWE career, Paul Heyman's relationship with the WWE Universe could be described as "love-hate." The WWE Universe absolutely loves to hate him.
#2 Former WWE ring announcer Howard Finkel
WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel was the voice that announced some of the greatest moments in WWE history.
Widely regarded as the greatest ring announcer in professional wrestling history, Howard Finkel's passion and unique sound turned meaningful moments into iconic moments in time.
Finkel's booming voice proclaiming a new champion or winner of a particular match made the moment somehow feel even more special.
Howard Finkel began working for the WWE in 1975 when the company was known as the World Wide Wrestling Federation and owned by Vincent J. McMahon. He was also a ring announcer inside the famous Madison Square Garden arena beginning in 1977.
A WWE employee for over 40 years, Howard Finkel was WWE's longest serving employee. In addition to his position as a ring announcer, Finkel also held numerous other roles within the company. This included positions in talent relations and within the various WWE creative departments.
Howard Finkel passed away on April 16, 2020 at the age of 69 years old. Without question, he is the greatest ring announcer ever to step foot inside of a professional wrestling ring.
#1 Former WWE announcer "Mean" Gene Okerlund
WWE Hall of Famer "Mean" Gene Okerlund is widely considered to be the greatest interviewer in professional wrestling history.
"Mean" Gene conducted interviews with some of the biggest names in WWE history during the 1980s and early 1990s such as Hulk Hogan, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Andre The Giant and many, many more.
Okerlund also presented several programs such as WWE Superstars, All-American Wrestling and more.
After departing WWE for WCW in 1993, "Mean" Gene Okerlund eventually returned to the WWE in 2001. After signing a lifetime contract with the company, Okerlund began hosting programs such as WWE Vintage Collection and also hosting shows on WWE's Classics on Demand service.
The legendary interviewer was finally inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in April 2006 by fellow Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan.
Gene Okerlund passed away on January 2, 2019 at the age of 76 years old. This led to widespread tributes from the likes of Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock.
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