Authority figures have become one of the most important roles on WWE television that help to set up matches and set the course for storyline directions.
Since 2023, Nick Aldis has filled the role of SmackDown General Manager, doing a very good job at exuding credibility and decisiveness.
Looking at the talent, legends and staff in WWE right now, there are various individuals who could one day become the next GM for the blue brand in the months and years to come.
Here are eight potential new WWE SmackDown General Managers.
8. Paige
Back in 2018, Paige announced her retirement from in-ring competition and made the transition to an authority figure role.
The former WWE Divas Champion did very well in the position, but she did not last long in the role at all with her time as GM ending at the end of the same year.
In March, Paige, real name Saraya, announced her departure from All Elite Wrestling after a three year run and has made it clear she is open to making a WWE return.
Paige returning as the new SmackDown General Manager would be a fitting decision that could be the best way to have her come back to WWE.
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7. Ava
In 2023, Ava was named the NXT General Manager, making a smooth transition from an in-ring competitor and manager to authority figure.
The daughter of The Rock has done well to fill the role and has helped to make some of the biggest matches on NXT in recent memory.
Ava has grown in this role and may one day move up to the WWE main roster where she could continue to be a GM.
In what would be a very full circle move, Ava becoming the General Manager for the show named after her father The Rock’s catchphrase just feels right and appropriate.
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6. The Miz
Looking at the current WWE roster, there might not be anyone who is suited to one day become a General Manager more than The Miz.
The former two-time WWE Grand Slam Champion seems like he is winding down his in-ring career and still has a lot to offer as a character.
As “The A Lister,” The Miz has often done his best work on the microphone and as a character more than inside the squared circle.
Becoming the SmackDown General Manager, The Miz could become a logical foil for many of the top babyfaces on the brand down the line.
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5. Wade Barrett
Since returning to WWE in 2020, Wade Barrett has gone from in-ring competitor to one of the best color commentators in wrestling today.
Providing a former wrestler who has an outlook different from his counterparts, Barrett’s voice has been important to getting over storylines and matches throughout his time behind the commentary desk.
The former five-time WWE Intercontinental Champion has always been an entertaining talker on the mic that could fit in nicely as an authority figure.
Barrett becoming the SmackDown General Manager could make a great deal of sense after serving as a commentator for the past five years and offer something different from the current authority figures in WWE today.
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4. Pat McAfee
Another WWE commentator who would fit very well as an authority figure is Pat McAfee.
The former NFL punter was viewed as an excellent addition to the commentary desk when he first started in the role over on SmackDown in 2022.
While he is currently taking a hiatus from commentary at the time of this writing, McAfee could return to a new role within WWE.
McAfee becoming SmackDown General Manager could bring a similar enthusiasm that he has brought to his call of the action now in a new intriguing role.
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3. Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman is obviously one of the greatest managers in pro wrestling history, but he has also served as an authority figure on several occasions.
The WWE Hall of Famer was the SmackDown General Manager in 2004 and was the owner of ECW during the 1990s into the 2000s.
Heyman taking some time away from his roles as “Wise Man” and “The Oracle” could be a necessary change that freshens up his character a little bit.
While he can excel at anything and everything he does, Heyman might be in need of a bit of a refresh that could come with becoming SmackDown GM once again.
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2. The Undertaker
On the July 22 edition of WWE NXT, The Undertaker returned to the brand to confront Trick Williams, which ended with “The Deadman” delivering a chokeslam.
In recent months, the WWE Hall of Famer has been seen working backstage in a creative role for the company.
With the possibility of Taker playing a more long term role behind the scenes, he could also make his return to television by becoming an authority figure for the first time.
While many of his contemporaries have been GMs before like Shawn Michaels and Mick Foley, Taker would be brand new in this position that might be a new way to present his character.
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1. The Rock
When he returned to WWE in 2024, The Rock became known by a new nickname in “The Final Boss.”
In reality, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had been announced to be part of the TKO Board of Directors and has a say in the future direction of WWE.
Playing on this real life position, the former 10-time WWE World Champion could make his return once again, but this time, as an authority figure.
In what would truly be a poetic transition, The Rock becoming SmackDown General Manager seems like something he should rightfully be considering his influence on the creation of the show.
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