As the WWE Universe eagerly awaits the announcement of the permanent General Manager of Raw and SmackDown – which occurs on the historic 1,000th episode of Raw SuperShow July 23 at 8/7 CT on USA Network – several candidates have already tried their hand at one of the premier jobs in sports-entertainment.

In recent weeks, Mick Foley, Vickie Guerrero and Theodore Long have all had a shot as Interim GM, with varying results. There have been unique match stipulations, surprise title defenses and shocking upsets. In fact, one of those upsets will result in a “temporary promotion” for a certain Long Island, N.Y., resident.

By winning the Great American Bash 20-Man Battle Royal on SuperSmackDown LIVE July 3, Zack Ryder will be Interim SmackDown GM on the July 13 episode. The Long Island Iced-Z will be standing in for one episode, but can a current Superstar successfully fill the General Manager role, as a sort of “Player/Manager”? Superstars from the past like Kurt Angle, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Sgt. Slaughter have done it, but what current Superstars might be up to the job?

Chris Jericho

Raw's top stars collide in the middle of the ring.

If in-ring experience is a prerequisite for serving as General Manager, look no further than Chris Jericho. The 31-time titleholder has proven he knows what it takes to win. He also knows how to keep the WWE Universe on the edge of its seats, as evidenced by his mysterious returns to action after hiatuses from the ring. ( FULL STORY) It’s inconceivable to think the WWE Universe would ever get bored with him in charge. And if Jericho really wants sole claim of being “best in the world,” what better opportunity to prove it once and for all than by taking the reins in WWE?

Big Show

WWE's biggest monsters collide in a No Disqualification Match.

No matter what shoes need to be filled, The World’s Largest Athlete has got the plus-sized feet – and ability – to do it. Big Show would make a great Permanent GM, and the WWE Board of Director’s should give him a long look for the position. One only needs to examine Big Show’s recent actions to see that he has the gumption and work ethic to get things done. You may see his latest reign of destruction as a terrifying reminder of the giant’s power, but we see it as management potential.

The GM of Raw and SmackDown not only needs to be a bold visionary, but also someone who is familiar with WWE inside and out. That’s Big Show in spades. The former WWE Champion, World Heavyweight Champion and Intercontinental Champion has worn many hats during his time in WWE. In fact, he’s one of the longest-tenured Superstars, having been on the WWE roster since 1999. Big Show has the experience to match his massive frame, and that knowledge would be put to good use running Raw and SmackDown.

Zack Ryder

SmackDown: Zack Ryder makes a 2-on-1 Handicap Match, pitting Ezekiel Jackson against Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase

Well, for one, there’d be a lot more Backstreet Boys blasting around the locker room area. Should the Long Island Iced-Z find himself appointed the Permanent General Manager of Raw and SmackDown, the WWE Universe could probably expect nothing less than a complete overhaul of both shows into the kind of merry mayhem that regularly occurs on “Z! True Long Island Story.”

Ryder has some experience running things, having served as the assistant to former SmackDown GM Teddy Long, but giving him the keys to the kingdom would surely open up a whole new realm of possibilities for The Ultimate Broski. Perhaps Gauntlet Matches for Kane and Eve every week? Sure, why not? Maybe The Big O gets signed to a WWE contract and teams with Ryback? Highly likely. Someone finally finds Trent Barreta? Entirely possible. In any case, if it’s a good time they’re looking for, the Board of Directors would be wise to place their faith in the “Internet Champion” and let the good times roll.

AJ

Eve confronts AJ.

Say what you want about AJ. On one hand, she can be perceived as unstable, deceptive or just plain unpredictable. ( HALL OF INSTABILITY) But she has also proven to be deliberate, absolutely different and afraid of no one – qualities that could make for a very effective General Manager. Such an off-the-wall personality not only commands the eyes of the WWE Universe, but also has no problem shaking things up on a regular basis.

It only stands to reason that AJ would give unique leadership to Raw and SmackDown. In an arena of combat that thrives on controversy, putting AJ at the helm would, if nothing else, bring questionable, unexpected and entertaining moments – keeping the WWE Universe on its feet and thirsty for more.  

Christian

Cody Rhodes and Christian get into a heated confrontation on "The Peep Show"

With a friend like WWE Hall of Famer Edge, Intercontinental Champion Christian certainly knows how to keep good company. Together, the duo laid claim to a stunning seven World Tag Team Championships. ( 50 GREATEST TAG TEAMS) Cleary, Christian knows how to work well with others – a vital trait for any General Manager. Perhaps none of his achievements, though, are as extraordinary as his victory in a brutal Ladder Match against Alberto Del Rio at Extreme Rules 2011, where he captured his first World Heavyweight Championship. As one of the most veteran Superstars on this list, Christian is a solid choice for taking over following the departure of John Laurinaitis.

John Cena

John Cena tells John Laurinaitis that he's ready for Brock Lesnar at Extreme Rules.

If you want a General Manager who always has his finger on the pulse of the WWE Universe, look no further than The Cenation Commander-in-Chief, John Cena. It's not just about the immense size of the Cenation or his social media support (more than 2,305,000 Twitter followers); it's about how Cena never turns a deaf ear to his critics. He hears it all, takes it in, and finds ways to rise above it. WWE needs a GM who knows how to make the right decisions as well as embrace the adversity that comes with such a high-pressure job.

With a tireless work ethic and a never-say-quit attitude, Cena has also raised the bar as a true leader for the entire WWE locker room, so drawing respect as a GM won't be a hurdle. Over his 10 years as a WWE Superstar, Cena has spent extensive time on both Raw and SmackDown, witnessing some of the best (Stephanie McMahon) and the worst (Mike Adamle) brand bosses, which gives the Cenation leader an upper hand in understanding the do's and don'ts of the crucial position. ( CENA'S 50 GREATEST MATCHES)

A.W.

A.W. celebrates with his new tag team, The Prime Time Players.

The WWE Universe may not know a whole lot about A.W., but when it comes to the animated front man of All World Promotions, one thing is certain: He can talk. More importantly, A.W. possesses the unique ability to sway Superstars to his will, as evidenced by his duping of Primo & Epico and his guiding of The Prime Time Players into, well, primetime.

And if there’s one quality that a good General Manager must have, it’s the gift of gab.

Like P.T. Barnum before him, A.W. is capable of selling anything to anyone, which would certainly work in his favor at the helm of both Raw and SmackDown.

Eve

Fiery. Strong-willed. Unyielding. Eve possesses these characteristics and more, assuring the WWE Diva will be far from a pushover as General Manager of both Raw and SmackDown. Eve isn't intimidated by power; she relishes it. In her tenure as John Laurinaitis' Executive Administrator, the two-time Divas Champion was a relentless protector of "People Power," shrewdly keeping her eyes and ears open for anyone who dared challenge authority or mock Big Johnny.

Sure, it will be a tough task for Eve to maintain neutrality on a week-to-week basis, but her no-nonsense approach could be exactly what WWE needs to keep remorseless titans like Big Show – and, if he returns, Brock Lesnar – in check. Even The World's Largest Athlete was cut down to size when subjected to a verbal scolding from Laurinaitis' smart, bold exec. ( SCORCHING HOT EVE PHOTOS)

Booker T

You can search high and low, but the best choice for the Permanent General Manager of Raw and SmackDown might be sitting right under the WWE Universe’s collection nose. Booker T is a five-time WCW Champion, in addition to accumulating numerous other accomplishments that prove his elite ability. He sits week after week at the SmackDown announce table, making him extremely knowledgeable on the current situation in WWE.

Most of all, Booker knows about performing in the squared circle like few others – not because of observation, but because he has lived it! The master of the Spin-a-Roonie has battled the best the ring has to offer, from “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to The Rock. So, why not put him at the head of the fleet? Michael Cole might have numerous objections. Nonetheless, perhaps it’s time to put Booker into power!

CM Punk

In his now legendary monologue from the summer of 2011, CM Punk delivers a star-making soliloquy taking aim at WWE brass and voicing his frustrations with the sports-entertainment landscape.

From his legendary “pipe bomb” promo bashing the state of affairs in WWE ( STORY), to standing up to arch nemesis and former General Manager John Laurinaitis, who better than WWE CM Punk to take the helm in WWE? As the historic 1,000th episode of Raw approaches, The Voice of the Voiceless is the perfect choice to shape and guide WWE into a new era. And who knows, maybe we’d see WWE ice cream bars back on store shelves before summer’s end.

Which Superstar do you think would make for a good General Manager? Sound off now below and at WWE InterAction using #raw1000.