PWI Weekly for September 23, 2024
PWI Weekly for September 23, 2024
Marvelous Managerial Minds
WHILE WE STILL HAVE some time before we start work on our year-end Awards issue, it’s never too early to start thinking about who might be in the running for the top accolades. At times like these, we also get to thinking about some awards that aren’t even in existence anymore—like our now=defunct Manager of the Year award.
The reason that we permanently put aside that award was simple. Bluntly, at that time, there just weren’t many top managers active in the business. Thankfully, times have changed. In 2024, from the big promotions to the indies, there exists a wealth of managerial talent plying their trades across the globe. In this issue of the Weekly, we salute a few of them.
MANAGER OF THE WEEK
For around a decade now—and maybe even longer—we have been living in a managerial period that might as well be called “The Heyman Era.” Such is the shadow that Paul E. Heyman casts over the stable of managers within the business. Generally speaking, Heyman has been the best at what he does for quite some time now. But, in recent months, the managerial exploits of one Prince Nana should not be discounted.
A Ring of Honor stalwart who has guided the careers of a near-A-Z of wrestlers, from Abyss to Xavier, Nana reached the pinnacle of his career this year alongside Swerve Strickland in AEW. An integral part of Strickland’s whole act, Nana literally danced his way into being one of the top managers in the industry. With Paul Heyman on a hiatus for now, the Prince may currently be the king of wrestling managers.
TERRITORIAL DISSINGS
Whether it’s his constant toadying to Ash By Elegance or his downright rudemess to anyone besides her, The Personal Concierge has been an entertaining part of TNA television this year. He’s also been a deciding factor in numerous matches involving the elegant one. A gifted orator, the Concierge is never short of words to say, as was the case in his very first introduction of Ash.
SPOTLIGHT ON …
When he’s not angling for inclusion in the “PWI 500,” Big Dust actually serves as a fine manager to The Goons. The loudmouth indie veteran is a constant thorn in the side of anyone who squares off against his stable of wrestlers, and, truthfully, is one of the top managers on the independent scene.
Beneath it all, however, Dust is someone who cares deeply about professional wrestling. Recently, he made a documentary about the “500” and just how much it means to wrestlers who find themselves included on the list. Big Dust appeared on the PWI Podcast alongside Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon to discuss such things.
FROM THE VAULT
Although she has spent some time as a wrestler, it’s as a manager that Maria Kanellis has done her finest work. Just like she is doing here at Supercard of Honor 2024.
With a career that has seen her make an impact in WWE, TNA, ROH, NJPW, and many other places, Maria took the torch from the likes of Miss Elizabeth and Woman and carried it into the modern era.
Recently, Kanellis has dealt with some serious health concerns. But, in her indomitable fashion, she has faced them with the same drive and dedication that has served her well throughout her career. We at PWI wish Maria the best and hope she makes a speedy recovery.