Drew McIntyre, a veteran WWE superstar, has recently voiced harsh criticisms about younger wrestlers, sparking controversy within the wrestling community. Dutch Mantell, a respected WWE manager from the 1990s and 2010s, has publicly supported McIntyre’s views regarding the growing disrespect shown by rookies in WWE.
Mantell Acknowledges McIntyre’s Frustrations with New WWE Talent
McIntyre’s comments gained attention when he appeared on Logan Paul’s IMPAULSIVE podcast, claiming that about 85 percent of current WWE performers lack the physical presence needed for the company. Additionally, he expressed in an interview with The West Sport his dissatisfaction with young wrestlers who he says “don’t bl***y listen” to veterans like himself. These remarks highlight ongoing tensions between established wrestlers and emerging talent in WWE’s locker room culture.
Insight from Dutch Mantell on How Veterans Are Disrespected by Rookies Today
On his Story Time with Dutch Mantell podcast, Mantell explained that the disrespect McIntyre describes would not have been tolerated in his era. He recounted how rookie wrestlers back then faced consequences if they disregarded veteran guidance, often settling matters physically in the ring.
“Well, I come from a different era anyway,” Mantell said. “You had better listen to a veteran when I broke in. That showing of disrespect wasn’t tolerated, so all they’d do, they’d take you in a ring and just beat the living cr*p out of you. So, finally, I don’t care how stupid you were, you’d say, ‘Oh, wait a minute, maybe I should listen more, and not just disregard what these guys tell me.'” [55:47–56:21]
Reasons Behind Rookies’ Disregard for Veteran Advice According to Mantell
At 40, Drew McIntyre is among WWE’s most seasoned wrestlers, with a career spanning from 2007 to 2014 and a return in 2017. Mantell believes the rise of independent wrestling promotions has contributed to young wrestlers’ inflated egos. He explained that performers who draw small crowds on the indie circuit often grow complacent, thinking they do not need guidance from established WWE stars.
“Well, the more the independents popped up, I think that’s when it changed because if you have an independent show, and say you’re only drawing 150 people or 200 people, but yet the people, the fans, get used to the crew coming in, and you can really be over with that crew,” Mantell continued. “So the main event in that little independent show, he didn’t feel like he needed to ask anybody anything.” [59:24–59:56]
Current WWE Storylines and Additional Veteran Perspectives
Drew McIntyre remains a central figure on WWE’s SmackDown brand, where he is currently engaged in a rivalry with Cody Rhodes. Mantell also touched briefly on Bret Hart, a three-time WWE Hall of Famer, noting Hart’s advice for wrestlers to emulate his in-ring style as another example of veteran guidance in today’s industry.
The debate McIntyre has sparked over rookie attitudes and veteran respect reflects broader challenges in wrestling’s evolving culture. With younger talent gaining prominence, the traditions and hierarchy once upheld in WWE appear increasingly strained. How this dynamic will influence locker room relationships and future talent development remains a critical question for the company and its fans alike.
