In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, WWE backstage interviewer Cathy Kelley stated that she would like to become a manager in the company one day again.
In two stints with WWE over the past decade, Kelley has primarily worked as a backstage interviewer and announcer.
However, Kelley’s speaking ability could lead to her eventually becoming a manager in the promotion one day.
Here are six WWE stars to be potentially managed by Cathy Kelly.
6. Giulia
Since being called up to the WWE main roster in 2025, Giulia has been working with her representative Kiana James in her corner.
This has led to success with “The Beautiful Madness” becoming a two-time WWE Women’s United States Champion.
However, Giulia and Kiana went their separate ways after a falling out on the June 5 edition of Friday Night SmackDown.
With Japanese being her first language, Giulia might be in the need of a new manager, which could come in the form of Cathy Kelley by her side.
5. Jordynne Grace
At the start of 2026, Jordynne Grace moved from the WWE NXT brand to Friday Night SmackDown.
While she has been impressive whenever she appears, Grace has been unable to get a consistent role on WWE television.
“The Juggernaut” is someone who might need something a little extra to add to her character.
Cathy Kelley coming in to become Grace’s manager would be something different for Jordynne and add another layer to her character.
4. Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura is one of the greatest Japanese pro wrestlers of all time and someone who has found some success throughout his time in WWE.
“The King of Strong Style” is a three-time United States Champion, two-time Intercontinental Champion and a former Tag Team Champion as well.
With all his accomplishments, it feels like Nakamura should be featured more often on WWE television.
Nakamura joining forces with Cathy Kelley as his manager would be interesting to see if she can add something new to his character moving forward.
3. Alpha Academy (Otis & Akira Tozawa)
Alpha Academy has undergone some changes throughout their time together as a unit, but it seems like there could be more altercations in the near future.
In recent weeks, Maxxine Dupri has been seen speaking with Austin Theory in various backstage segments.
Despite Otis and Akira Tozawa wanting their friend to stay away from The Vision, it seems Dupri has grown a fondness to Theory.
Maxxine leaving Alpha Academy might lead to Alpha Academy needing a new female star in the group, which could see Cathy Kelley coming in as the new manager for Otis and Tozawa sooner rather than later.
2. Ilja Dragunov
Ilja Dragunov has long been known as one of the very best in-ring performers in WWE today.
After losing the United States Championship at the end of 2025, Dragunov has not been featured consistently on Friday Night SmackDown.
“The Mad Dragon” might need something new to add to his character and could come in the form of a new manager.
Cathy Kelley becoming the new cornerwoman for Dragunov could enhance his persona and give him a unique voice to guide him in the future.
1. Rhea Ripley
There is no doubt that Rhea Ripley is the biggest and most popular female star on the WWE roster today.
Following WrestleMania 42, “Mami” is now on top of Friday Night SmackDown as the WWE Women’s Champion.
Ripley is also one of Cathy Kelley’s best friends in the WWE locker room often seen with each other on social media posts.
If Kelley was to transition from backstage interviewer to manager, there might not be anyone who would have the level of trust necessary to invite her back in their corner more than Ripley.
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