The Iconic Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan Has Been Voted Greatest WWE Manager of All Time by Fans
Throughout WWE history, the company has featured a slew of beloved wrestling managers who each left their mark on generations of viewers. Now, some of the most devoted wrestling fans have voted and named Bobby "The Brain" Heenan as the greatest WWE manager of all time.
Why Fans Picked Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan as the Greatest
"If you're poor and you do something stupid, you're nuts. If you're rich and you do something stupid, you're eccentric." - Bobby "The Brain" Heenan pic.twitter.com/D5fiKdmyqp
— Allan (@allan_cheapshot) May 9, 2026
In October 2025, Ranker updated its article that allows fans to vote on who the "best managers and valets in WWE history" are. Based on those votes, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan has been ranked as the greatest WWE manager ever due to having more upvotes than anyone else. The ranking puts Heenan above other legendary performers like Paul Bearer, Paul Heyman, Jimmy Hart, Miss Elizabeth, and more.
The article listed several reasons why Heenan deserves an accolade like that. It noted that he "showcased unparalleled wit and charisma" and "guided numerous top talents to championship gold." It also pointed to the role he played in crafting engaging storylines that drew in wrestling fans from around the world.
Related: 7-Time Champion Named Best WWE Villain of All Time
While Ranker's article didn't note it, there was one aspect of Heenan's persona that made him such an incredibly valuable manager. If the WWE wanted a beloved wrestler to become a villain but was worried that fans wouldn't accept the transition, all they had to do was pair them with the dastardly Heenan. For example, after decades of André the Giant being a popular fan favorite, having him team up with Heenan against Hulk Hogan seemingly flipped how he was perceived in a moment.
As Cultaholic's history of the Heenan Family faction notes, the first member of the group in the WWE was Big John Studd. From there, a slew of wrestlers enjoyed immense success under the onscreen guidance of Heenan. Those names include King Kong Bundy, Mr. Perfect, "Ravishing" Rick Rude, The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard), Haku, The Barbarian, "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff, and more.
The Full Ranking: The Best Managers And Valets In WWE History
- 23. Maxxine Dupri
- 22. Maryse Ouellet
- 21. Trish Stratus
- 20. Arn Anderson
- 19. Debra Marshall
- 18. MVP (Montel Vontavious Porter)
- 17. Eric Bischoff
- 16. Ric Flair
- 15. Stephanie McMahon
- 14. Stacy Keibler
- 13. Chyna
- 12. Teddy Long
- 11. Paul Ellering
- 10. Sunny
- 9. "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase
- 8. Captain Lou Albano
- 7. Mr. Fuji
- 6. Miss Elizabeth
- 5. Jim Cornette
- 4. Jimmy Hart
- 3. Paul Heyman
- 2. Paul Bearer
- 1. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan
Next: WWE Legend Named ‘Greatest Pro Wrestler of All Time' by Wrestling Fans
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 10:10 AM.