In light of the transition that RAW superstar Baron Corbin has made seemingly from in-ring talent to on-screen authority figure, I thought I take a moment to reflect on how well past authority figures have worked in WWE.
Authority figures on a brand show tend to provide an additional focus surrounding story lines, and depending on who that figure is, they either benefit the so-called ‘babyfaces’ or ‘heels’ in any given situation.
Barring one exception, this list will be restricted to personalities that are either ‘representing’ the “boss” whoever that may be, or a minor figure within a larger circle of those in charge.
Sgt. Slaughter
The former WWE champion was brought in as “The Commissioner” (what they used to call a General Manager during the 1990s), during the ascendancy of the Attitude Era. My most vivid memory of Slaughter’s time as Commish was, of course, this exchange he had with Shawn Michaels and Triple H (DX), earning him the nickname from the duo “Sgt. Slobber”.
Other memorable incidents during Slaughter’s time as an authority figure was putting Michaels and HHH in a match for the European Championship, which didn’t ‘work out’ as Slaughter intended, and handcuffing himself to Chyna during HHH’s match at Wrestlemania XIV against Owen Hart to prevent her interference, which didn’t work out either.
So overall, if he was meant to be someone that depicts “clamping down” on authority, he didn’t do a very good job as his plans with DX backfired more than once. Slaughter was eventually replaced in 1998, ironically by….
Shawn Michaels
After the Heartbreak Kid took time away from the ring at the conclusion of Wrestlemania XIV, when he sustained his infamous back injury, Michaels was kept around as an on-screen character, eventually moving into the role of Commissioner, taking over from Slaughter.
Michaels played more of a “babyface” Commissioner during the heyday of Vince McMahon’s Corporation, siding with his former teammates in DX. And he continued that association with Triple H in 1999 on the first episode of Smackdown, when as a guest referee for a WWE championship match between Hunter and the Rock, he superkicked Rock to help Hunter win. However, I don’t think he was acting in his capacity as a Commissioner during that time.
It was good that Michael’s career was revived from 2002 to 2010, when he retired after losing to the Undertaker. He never really fit that role as an authority figure; I mean, he didn’t cut his hair until only recently, and WWE is reported to prefer people in those roles with shorter hair, if they are male.
With this NXT / UK special coming up at Royal Albert Hall, it looks as though Michaels is being promoted as a host alongside Triple H. William Regal is reportedly having health issues, and should he be forced to leave his on screen role as NXT General Manager, I think the Heartbreak Kid could be a suitable replacement.
“Chief” Sean Morley
It was a rather bizarre transition to see a guy who played a porn star on WWE television get put into a corporate suit and basically become the lackey, or “chief of staff”, to Eric Bischoff. But he was ‘fired’ within a year by Bischoff then, hilariously, re-hired by Stone Cold Steve Austin soon after.
I just included Morley on this list because it was an indicator to how WWE perceived on screen authority figures going forward; cut clean, short hair, and well dressed. I look at Baron Corbin today and can definitely see influences from that old Chief Morley character.
“Corporate” Kane
As with Morley before him, The Big Red Machine went from fire and brimstone to suit and tie, along with a cleaner hair cut (or he grew it out enough, as he was bald before putting his mask on again for a second time). He worked alongside the authority with Seth Rollins, Triple H and Randy Orton for a time, before he was “injured” by Brock Lesnar, then came back as doing some strange bipolar gimmick where ‘Corporate’ Kane was not aware of the existence of “Demon” Kane.
The real life Kane, Glenn Jacobs, was selected as the Republican candidate for mayor in Knox County, Tennessee, and it looks like he’s on his way to a political career so we won’t be seeing Kane on WWE television anytime soon. But I have to admit, Kane in a position of authority (no pun intended) was surprisingly effective, even if he was perceived as a subordinate to Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. morley
Will Baron Corbin’s new role as a minor authority figure be as memorable as some of these past figures have played in WWE? Only time will tell.
An average professional doing the 9-5 grind who really loves wrestling across all platforms. Here's hoping wrestlers finally get some basic workers rights in 2021.
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