Who will replace William Regal as WWE NXT General Manager on tonight’s show? Greg DeMarco has some ideas!

WWE NXT delivered another bang-up NXT Takeover card with In Your House 2021. As I mentioned in the Three Stars, the card outshined the build, and by far. But after the frenetic paced main event, William Regal shocked the world by indicating there was too much bedlam and things needed to change after 7 years of him being in charge. He did this in a somber way that is usually reserved for someone who realizes they’re not the person for the job any longer.

Now we have the assumption that we will get a new General Manager on NXT, and thus it’s time we speculate! Yes, one  man is reported as coming back, but there are other options on the table. Let’s see them, shall we?

5. Beth Phoenix

Beth Phoenix is doing a smash-up job at the NXT commentary table, easily the best female commentator we’ve ever had, anywhere, and she has a voice that has already become synonymous with the brand. So it’s hard to pull her away from the commentary table. Hard, but not impossible.

Beth has a commanding presence, would be a swerve as no one expects a female, and can deliver with both men and women. She’s not afraid to get physical, she’s respected, and she obviously loves the brand. Beth could actually be a slam dunk, even if it’s not gonna happen.

4. Roderick Strong

Ol’ Roddy Strong currently sits between the Road Dogg and Ronda Rousey in the WWE Alumni section, with nary a report of his release to be found. He’s one hell of a talented worker, but not the greatest promo guy ever. However, putting him as the GM could be entertaining, as he can be the straight man needed around NXT’s cast of characters.

Roderick Strong also has the built in history with major players in NXT, including (of course) Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly. That’s enough to give him a story with basically anyone else on the roster who doubts his sincerity, loyalty, or motivations. Much like Beth Phoenix, I don’t see it happening, but also much like Beth Phoenix, I would love it if it did.

3. William Regal Himself

Sometimes things aren’t what they seem, eh? What if William Regal is bringing in an enforcer, or leaning into the bedlam–possibly by bringing in the Diamond Mine concept? We are quick to assume a new General Manager will be named, and while that assumption is likely a safe one, this IS wrestling after all. Anything can happen, and maybe this goes in a whole different direction–one that keeps William Regal in the General Manager role.

2. Samoa Joe

It’s too easy to put Samoa Joe at #1, he’s the guy everyone expects. Reports are out there that he’s signed back with the company, that he hasn’t been cleared, that his stint at the Performance Center this past week didn’t include him bumping in a ring at all. He could be a producer, commentator (replacing new GM Beth Phoenix, maybe?), or secretly cleared and Karrion Kross’ next challenger.

He could also be the new General Manager of NXT, a role that I think he’d flourish in. Honestly, I am here for Samoa Joe back in NXT in any capacity, but obviously I would pick “active pro wrestler” over any of the other options.

1. Daniel Bryan

Now here’s a Swerve, Scott! We get Samoa Joe in a wrestling role (or none at all), but the General Manager is none other than Daniel Bryan! A non-wrestling role is a great way to keep him relevant while he scratches an itch or two in Japan and/or on the indies. Plenty of ways to get him back into the ring when the time is right. He’s got experience playing the role, he can promo with the best of ’em, he’d still contribute backstage.

I know I said Beth Phoenix would be a slam dunk, but now we have two slam dunks because count me IN for Daniel Bryan as your new WWE NXT General Manager.