When I was a lad, many moons ago, I watched my first WWF event, WrestleMania IV. I marvelled at the noise from the crowd as the camera panned overhead. As 'Land of Hope and Glory' erupted over a scratchy PA system and Macho Man made his way to the ring, or the opening riff of Hulk Hogan's "Real American" electrified the crowd you could feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. But equally I remember the bad guys and how they made me feel - I hated them. And not just them but the horrible little squirt at ringside; not big enough to be a wrestler him/herself but still with the dastardly brain and will to cheat to victory.

The role of managers and valets was hugely important during the late 80's and early 90's era of wrestling. Every good heel had a manager or valet. Bobby Heenan was really the common heel to Hogan throughout his famed run of the 80's and early 90's, managing many of the wrestlers who feuded with Hogan during this period. The Hulkster also fell out with his 'friend' Macho Man, who by now was ably assisted by Sensational Sherri, probably the most well known valet in the WWF. Demolition was the dominant tag team at the time and could always rely on the salt throwing cheat Mr Fuji. The Managers would of course have a band of wrestlers they would represent and it was quite normal to watch a whole PPV and to find the heel in each match was aided by a manager or valet, be it Heenan, Sherri, Mr Fuji, Jim Cornette, Slick Ric and others. All would of course, in some capacity, interfere in the match, sometimes aiding the heel to a cheated victory and thus incur the wrath of the fans, and sometimes failing miserably and maybe receiving a big right hand for their trouble.

In wrestling today, and partly due to the perceived need for Tits and Ass in a wrestling show, we do not see the great heel managers or valets of old. Heels may still be accompanied to ringside but usually by another wrestler or a 'diva'. This is less effective as the manager should be someone who cannot fight for themselves but are rather more brains than brawn and not just someone to stand and look pretty.

The exception in the WWE today is Melina, who as well as being an attractive woman also plays the valet role exceptionally well and is a key part of MNM's success. At least when Melina gets caught interfering that you know she will get what she deserves because she can't defend herself, in the same way that there was that extra bit of excitement when Heenan got sent over the top rope or Mr Fuji took a big right hand to the face.

Of course it would be wrong to say that the WWE should go back to the days of old because the business and fans opinions have changed so much. But perhaps just a little nostalgia is needed to bring back a part of wrestling that everybody loves" A meddlesome manager aligning himself with a mean wrestler because he is a coward, but has the brains to take them to the top. I also believe that if booked correctly, it would help to liven up live audiences at PPV's and at RAW and Smackdown! shows, as it is clear that there are periods where the crowd are losing interest during some live events. Perhaps the sneaky tricks of a good manager or valet will help liven up an otherwise stale match.

This is my first column for OWW. I am a big fan of wrestling today and going back to the late 80's and enjoy reading thoughts from people all over the world. I would be interested to know what you all think about my thoughts on introducing a few more managers or valets and how it might impact the business today, or indeed if you think it is a terrible idea. Thanks for taking time to read.

by Nick Cash ..