Managing a Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) Megastar or stable of athletes is a tough prospect for any man—or woman. The Megastars of the KSWA wrestle dozens of events every year in front of the best sports fans in Pittsburgh and beyond. Sometimes the responsibility to succeed is just so difficult and daunting, that they need added support; and sometimes a distinct advantage, on the outside. Now we take a look at some of the best that have ever stepped through the curtains and walked to the ring with wrestlers representing the most prestigious promotion in the Commonwealth.

As is the case in compiling most important lists, a few principles may be omitted. These would be the men and women of “Honorable Mention.” Talented managers like B.C. Steele would have short tenures in the KSWA (the CEO of Steele Corp would manage Eric Xtasy back in the early days when fledgling history wasn’t kept). D-Licious was an integral member of the Iron Side Crew with Shane O’Shea, Mike Malachi and a pre-royal “King” Del Douglas. The first managers of the VIPs were Starr Chastity and Mercedes when the KSWA made Bloomfield home. More recently, Sara Brooks took on the VIPs in 2007. More timely still has been the emergence of “The Mad Genius” David Marbell, who has presented Harley T. Morris in fine shape. Then there have been one-time leaders who have accompanied wards to the ring. Studio Wrestling favorite Bobby “Hurricane” Hunt slapped hands and kissed babies the time he lead Malachi to the ring, and “Big Bully” Nick Busick convoyed KSWA World Champion Shane Starr to the ring this past spring.

5. (tied) Tommy Faime/Bobby O. Technically not full-time managers, but they have both served that role from time to time over the past 15 years. As Bobby O was gaining ownership in the organization in 2004 and 2005, he was always compiling a unit of Megastars who made up “O’s Army.” Always at odds with the VIPs, Bobby O has always needed backup (there were times that he bravely entered the squared circle himself to defend himself or ownership of the company he has built over the past decade). Meanwhile, since his full-time wrestling days ended in 2005 (he did lose a “retirement” match in 2000 but was back in action two years later). When he was owner in 2014, Shawn Blanchard shelved some of his shared and sold them to Faime, who has since come back as a hybrid of part-owner and part-manager. There are times in which Faime and O both come out and stand by ringside for Megastars. That, in some strange way leaves Kommissioner Joe Perri and the KSWA Championship Committee in charge.

Next up...perhaps the only surprise on the board.