Mantell’s contributions as a booker, manager, and storyteller have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy continues to inspire wrestlers and entertain fans.
Through his podcast, “Story Time with Dutch Mantell,” he connects with a new generation of fans, ensuring that his stories and insights will be remembered for years to come. Dutch Mantell’s career is a testament to the power of adaptability, resilience, and the enduring appeal of a well-told story.
Dutch Mantell’s second WWE run and subsequent career developments have solidified his place as a wrestling icon.
His work as Zeb Colter showed that managers could still play pivotal roles in modern wrestling, and his podcast has kept him connected to fans.
His legacy lives on through the characters he helped shape, the stories he tells, and the fans who appreciate his contributions. From “The Real Americans” to MexAmerica, Mantell’s career has been marked by bold storytelling and a willingness to explore complex narratives, leaving an indelible mark on wrestling history.
Also Read: Dutch Mantell Bio, Age, Career, Net Worth, Personal Life And More
Table of Contents
Dutch Mantell: Who Is He?
Wayne Maurice Keown, known professionally as Dutch Mantell, is a legendary figure in professional wrestling.1
His career, which spans over five decades, has seen him wear many hats: wrestler, manager, commentator, and booker.
Born on November 29, 1949, in Walhalla, South Carolina, Mantell became a wrestling icon known by various names, including “Dirty” Dutch Mantell, Uncle Zebekiah, and Zeb Colter.
Known for his deep storytelling ability, wit, and unique persona, Mantell has left a lasting impact on the world of wrestling.
Since 2022, he has shared his insights and stories on “Story Time with Dutch Mantell,” a podcast he co-hosts with James Romero on the WSI Network.
Hey everybody…my daughter started a GoFundMe account because my hospital insurance has reached its limit. Help out if you can. If not, thank you anyway. https://t.co/nwV4jmhEAf
— 𝔻𝕣. 𝔻𝕦𝕥𝕔𝕙 (@DirtyDMantell) November 5, 2024
Early Life and Military Service
Wayne Keown grew up in Walhalla, South Carolina, where he attended Walhalla High School. After high school, he spent a year at Clemson University before being drafted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War.
Following basic training at Ft. Jackson in South Carolina, he was assigned to the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division.
Keown served in Vietnam and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal for his contributions, an experience that shaped his perspective and discipline, both of which became evident in his wrestling career.
Dutch Mantell: Career
Early WWE Career (1995–1996)
Dutch Mantell’s first experience with WWE dates back to 1995 when he joined the organization for a brief tenure.2
During this time, he worked as a manager and helped amplify the careers of several rising superstars. However, his initial WWE stint was relatively short-lived, ending in 1996.
In that early WWE era, Mantell didn’t achieve the long-term success that would define his later years in the company, but he gained valuable experience in working within a major wrestling promotion.
This brief experience laid the groundwork for his memorable return in 2013.
When Mantell returned to WWE in 2013, he did so under the guise of a new character, Zeb Colter.
WWE repackaged Mantell, who had been known for his skill in managing and storytelling, to play the role of a conservative, patriotic manager with outspoken views on immigration and the American dream.
His character, Zeb Colter, voiced his opinion in a way that challenged audiences to confront polarizing issues.
Mantell’s performance as Colter helped him stand out as one of the most compelling managers in WWE’s modern era, adding depth to the storylines he was involved in.
Teaming Up with Jack Swagger
Upon his return, Mantell was paired with Jack Swagger, a WWE superstar with a wrestling pedigree and an established presence.
Zeb Colter’s partnership with Swagger was a turning point for both, as Swagger’s career needed a fresh storyline and character development.
The Colter-Swagger alliance came at a time when WWE was incorporating more storyline-driven narratives to give characters depth and audience appeal.
Colter’s patriotic and hardline rhetoric paired with Swagger’s intensity in the ring created a duo that resonated with the audience, sometimes stirring up controversy due to the character’s outspoken stance on immigration and American values.
The “Real Americans” Gimmick
As Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger united, they developed a team known as “The Real Americans.” The gimmick capitalized on Mantell’s character’s nationalistic views and Swagger’s powerful in-ring presence. Their rallying cry, “We the People,” became instantly recognizable.
The “Real Americans” gimmick allowed Mantell to fully embrace Zeb Colter’s character, and the audience responded with both cheers and boos, making the duo one of WWE’s most talked-about acts.
Their storylines often saw them pitted against wrestlers from international backgrounds, intensifying the patriotic angle that Mantell’s character championed.
The Addition of Cesaro to “The Real Americans”
In 2013, WWE added Cesaro, a Swiss wrestler known for his impressive strength and technical skills, to “The Real Americans.” The inclusion of Cesaro, an immigrant himself, added a layer of irony to the storyline.
Despite Colter’s anti-immigrant sentiments, his character justified Cesaro’s presence by emphasizing that he was the “right kind” of immigrant.
This narrative twist made “The Real Americans” even more intriguing, as Colter’s flexible rhetoric allowed the storyline to explore and subtly critique real-world issues of nationalism and cultural acceptance.
Cesaro’s in-ring style meshed well with Swagger’s, and the three developed strong fan reactions during their matches.
Rivalries and Feuds
Under Mantell’s guidance as Zeb Colter, “The Real Americans” engaged in feuds with high-profile teams and wrestlers, including Los Matadores and the Prime Time Players.
These feuds allowed Mantell’s character to showcase his managerial skills, as he frequently engaged in verbal spats and cutting promos against their rivals.
One of their most memorable feuds was with Los Matadores, a tag team with a Spanish bullfighter gimmick, which intensified the patriotic angle of “The Real Americans” storyline. Mantell’s sharp promos and Swagger’s and Cesaro’s athletic prowess made these rivalries entertaining and memorable for fans.
Dutch Mantell: Controversial Alliance
In late 2015, Mantell’s character, Zeb Colter, was paired with Alberto Del Rio, a Mexican-born WWE superstar.3
This alliance raised eyebrows among fans, as Colter’s previous character traits seemed at odds with the idea of teaming up with a Mexican wrestler.
WWE explained this unexpected partnership by portraying Colter as someone who had undergone a change of heart and was now promoting the concept of “MexAmerica,” a fictional union between Mexico and America.
This storyline shift was an attempt to create a new character arc for Colter while allowing Del Rio to return as a strong heel.
The MexAmerica Storyline and Its Impact
- The MexAmerica storyline was short-lived but generated significant discussion among WWE fans.
- Colter’s attempt to advocate for unity between Mexico and the United States was a surprising pivot from his previous hardline stance.
- Although WWE intended to explore the dynamic between Colter and Del Rio, the angle did not fully resonate with fans and was eventually dropped.
- While brief, this alliance showcased Mantell’s versatility in adapting his character, and even in its short duration, it added another unique chapter to his WWE career.
- After the MexAmerica storyline concluded, WWE released Mantell on May 6, 2016. His departure marked the end of a three-year run that saw him bring depth and drama to WWE storylines.
- Mantell’s departure was met with disappointment by fans who had enjoyed his work as Zeb Colter, as his character had become an integral part of the WWE narrative landscape.
- Following his release, Mantell took time to reflect on his career and decided to explore new ventures outside the WWE universe.
Also Read: Arn Anderson Shares Worrying Health Update on 74-Year-Old WWE Star Dutch Mantell
Dutch Mantell’s Legacy in Wrestling
Dutch Mantell’s contributions to wrestling extend far beyond his WWE run. His storytelling prowess, both in and out of the ring, has left a lasting impact on the industry.
As a manager, Mantell could bring out the best in the wrestlers he worked with, helping them reach new heights in their careers.
His ability to adapt to different roles and storylines over the years demonstrated his versatility as a performer.
Whether as Zeb Colter or Dutch Mantell, he consistently found ways to engage audiences, proving that he’s a master of wrestling psychology.
The Influence of Zeb Colter on Modern Wrestling Characters
- Zeb Colter’s character has inspired modern wrestling managers who aim to add depth and dimension to their roles.
- By embracing controversial topics and incorporating real-world issues into his promos, Mantell demonstrated how wrestling characters could engage audiences on a different level.
- Managers in WWE and other wrestling promotions have since adopted similar approaches, crafting characters that go beyond the typical manager role.
- Mantell’s portrayal of Zeb Colter has set a standard for managers, showing that even in an era dominated by high-octane wrestling, there is still a place for character-driven storytelling.
- In recent years, Dutch Mantell has faced health challenges, and fans around the world have rallied in support.
- The wrestling community, including fans, wrestlers, and industry insiders, has sent well-wishes to Mantell, hoping for his speedy recovery.
- His contributions to the wrestling industry have garnered admiration and respect, and his fan base continues to grow through his podcast. The outpouring of support reflects Mantell’s impact on fans and the wrestling industry as a whole.
Dutch Mantell: Podcast
Storytelling and Legacy on “Story Time with Dutch Mantell”
Since May 2022, Dutch Mantell has co-hosted Story Time with Dutch Mantell, a podcast hosted by James Romero on the WSI Network.
This platform allows Mantell to share his wealth of knowledge and fascinating stories from his extensive career in wrestling.
His anecdotes about wrestling legends, behind-the-scenes dynamics, and his candid take on the industry’s evolution have resonated with listeners, making the show a success.
Through this podcast, Mantell continues to be an influential voice in the wrestling community, connecting with fans and preserving the legacy of wrestling’s golden era.
Dutch Mantell: Fund Collection
Dutch Mantell collecting fund as his hospital insurance has reached its limit, his GoFundMe account on his instagram bio.
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The Impact of Dutch Mantell on Modern Wrestling
Dutch Mantell’s influence on modern wrestling cannot be understated. His time as a wrestler, manager, and booker has shaped the careers of numerous wrestlers and left a lasting impact on the industry.
As a manager, he helped elevate the profiles of wrestlers like JBL and Jack Swagger. His booking work in various promotions has set the stage for wrestling’s evolution over the years, and his ability to adapt and thrive in different roles highlights his versatility.
Wrestling fans and historians often credit Mantell for his role in preserving and promoting the storytelling aspect of wrestling, a tradition that remains central to the sport.
Also Read: Dutch Mantell Discusses WWE Money in the Bank Mishap and AEW’s Historical Mistakes
