In AEW’s early days, the company shied away from adopting concepts associated with WWE, deliberately branding themselves as the “pro wrestling” alternative to their larger rival’s “sports entertainment.”
In recent years, however, AEW has introduced elements that closely mirror WWE — for instance, contracts for title shots, such as the one currently held by MJF, which function much like WWE’s Money in the Bank briefcase.
One concept AEW has yet to fully adopt is the on-screen general manager — the authority figure responsible for making matches and decisions — a role that remains off-screen in AEW, with wrestlers instead referencing company owner Tony Khan.
Could AEW be preparing to borrow this idea as well — and if so, who might step into the role? Here are potential new AEW general managers.
5. Don Callis
Don Callis has been a constant and significant presence on AEW programming since arriving in the company in 2020.
The much-hated figure currently heads up his own “Family” — pro wrestling’s largest faction, with ten wrestlers officially aligned under his leadership.
His skills on the microphone and ability to generate heat are virtually unparalleled in today’s pro-wrestling, with not-unjustified comparisons made to his old ECW boss, Paul Heyman.
Few individuals can draw sustained heat the way Callis can, and if AEW ever introduced a despised heel general manager, there are none more effective for the role.
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4. Jeff Jarrett
One of the more unlikely turns in AEW over the past year has been Jeff Jarrett’s transformation into a beloved babyface, after spending the bulk of his 40-year career as a despised heel.
The 58-year-old hinted at retirement at the beginning of the year, with the story seemingly building toward the old gunslinger taking his final stand and finally hanging up his boots.
Although that storyline has since vanished, Jarrett’s age makes it clear that he is nearing the end of his in-ring career.
If so, a natural transition would be into the role of general manager — whether as a smiling, affable southern babyface or reverting to the much-hated heel persona that defined his long run.
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3. Paul Wight
Paul Wight — the former Big Show — signed with AEW in 2021 after a 21-year association with WWE.
Since joining the company, he was initially used on commentary, teaming with Tony Schiavone on early episodes of AEW’s now-defunct YouTube show Dark, as well as wrestling a handful of matches, but is now largely seen only as part of the panel on the company’s Zero Hour pre-shows.
At 53, Wight’s in-ring career appears to be over, his mobility clearly limited in his few AEW matches — but that doesn’t mean the company couldn’t make more effective use of him.
Perhaps the role of general manager would be the best fit for the veteran performer.
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2. Gail Kim
Gail Kim was released from TNA in March, where the pioneering female star had been working in a creative role — the release of one of the company’s most memorable and respected names reportedly surprised and upset many within the promotion.
Currently a free agent, she has yet to sign with another company.
Though retired as an in-ring performer, Kim has stated she has no plans to walk away from pro wrestling and remains a major asset both in front of and behind the camera, making her an excellent potential hire for AEW.
If AEW were to bring in the 48-year-old, the role of general manager is one she could certainly perform effectively.
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1. Nigel McGuiness
At AEW Forbidden Door, Nigel McGuinness finds himself in arguably the most high-profile bout of his career — challenging fellow countryman Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
This is something that seemed implausible only last year, when the British legend turned expert colour commentator had not wrestled for 13 years after being forced into early retirement.
During his extended hiatus from the ring, McGuinness worked for Ring of Honor in an authority role as “Matchmaker” — and, like everything he has done in pro wrestling, performed it effectively with his quick wit and dry sense of humour.
If McGuinness were to hang up his boots again and step away from AEW’s commentary table, there are few who could be a more entertaining and effective general manager.
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