The Architects Of Heat: How Wrestling Managers Became Indispensable To Sports Entertainment

The professional wrestling manager is a character that has been essential to the industry’s success, functioning as much more than a ringside ally. From the early 20th century, these figures have served as mouthpieces, strategists, and instigators , shaping the careers of legendary competitors and driving major storylines. The manager’s original purpose was to advocate for wrestlers who possessed the in-ring skill but lacked the charisma or verbal ability to connect with the audience, a function that proved invaluable, especially during the rise of television in the 1950s. Their flamboyant attire, incessant shouting, and ability to infuriate fans made them vital components in generating the “heat,” or intense negative crowd reaction, necessary to establish their clients as villains.

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