Maybe it’s because I still can’t believe Raw is actually pushing Cedric Alexander & Ricochet as a tag team, but I somehow glossed over the fact Montell Vontavious Porter is doing more than serving as veteran enhancement talent and hosting talk shows now.
He’s also repping the Australian tag team of Brendan Vink & Shane Thorne.
He's got a keen eye for talent, that @The305MVP ... and he wants to see @ShaneThorneWWE & @Sixftfiiiiive get another crack at the team of @KingRicochet & @CedricAlexander! #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/vNYWK6OJnM
— WWE (@WWE) April 28, 2020
MVP as a manager means that, after years of WWE eschewing the role, we now have three operating on Raw (Zelina Vega and Paul Heyman being the other two). He may currently be the Intercontinental champion, but Sami Zayn’s been essentially serving as one on Friday nights, too.
Meanwhile, down in NXT, Robert Stone (fka Robbie E) is getting a lot of screen time recently talking about his “brand” - and its lone client, Chelsea Green. And a performer indie and online fans know could be a breakout star as a manager, Malcolm Bivens (Evolve’s Stokely Hathaway), has finally debuted on television as the mouthpiece for Indus Sher, a tag team consisting of Indian big men Rinku & Saurav.
It’s enough of a trend that it seems safe to say WWE is officially back in the manager business. And that’s great news! It’s a useful role - one that’s produced memorable characters and enhanced & extended careers.
As someone who grew up on a WWF filled with managers like Bobby Heenan, Freddie Blassie, Capt. Lou Albano, Mr. Fuji, and others... I’ve got my fingers crossed the trend becomes the norm.
We’ll see how MVP’s new prospects fare against Alexander & Ricochet next Monday.