AEW President Tony Khan has extended invitations to several former WWE talents to join his promotion, and Dutch Mantell, a wrestling veteran, recently disclosed that Khan personally invited him to become part of AEW. This offer came as part of Khan’s interest in involving talent associated with Jack Swagger, who transitioned to AEW.
With a career that spans over fifty years, Mantell has worked with WWE, TNA, and multiple other organizations. His connection to WWE included a storyline role with Jack Swagger, also known as Jake Hager, who now wrestles with AEW. This connection prompted Tony Khan to contact Mantell and gauge his interest in collaborating within AEW alongside Swagger.
“One day, I am sitting at home and my phone rings, and it was Tony Khan. And he says, calling in checking on you, he says, ‘You know we got Swagger here, would you have any interest in coming and being with us for a while? And of course I have an interest,'” Mantell said. —Sportskeeda
Dutch Mantell Questions AEW’s Plans for Jake Hager’s Role
Mantell expressed doubts about AEW’s intentions for Jake Hager as a singles competitor. During a conversation on Story Time with Dutch Mantell, he shared his doubts that AEW ever aimed to cast Hager in a strong solo role. Mantell said he had several discussions with Hager about his future following retirement and also reflected on how AEW managed his character.
“Not at all. I actually talked to him a few times when he was in AEW, and I asked him, ‘When are they going to do something except just have you show up every now and then behind those other guys or whatever?’ And he never had an answer for me, so apparently they didn’t tell him either.” —Dutch Mantell
Given Hager’s current retired status, it appears unlikely that he will return to active wrestling in the foreseeable future.
The Broader Context and AEW’s Approach to Former WWE Talent
Tony Khan’s efforts to recruit former WWE stars like Dutch Mantell signify AEW’s strategy to appeal to established wrestling audiences while building new storylines. Bringing in veteran names with history alongside current AEW talent such as Jake Hager suggests an intent to blend legacy with fresh programming.
However, Mantell’s remarks reveal some tension over AEW’s creative usage of wrestlers who have transitioned from WWE, with questions raised about how fully these talents are integrated or spotlighted individually. This dynamic reflects ongoing challenges as AEW navigates expanding its roster and story development amidst fan expectations and wrestler ambitions.
The relationship between AEW and former WWE stars, as highlighted by Mantell’s exclusive insights, reveals both opportunities and frustrations behind the scenes, shaping the future direction of the company and its roster deployment.
