In a recent podcast appearance, former WWE manager Dutch Mantell sparked controversy by calling for the wrestling giant to abandon its post-show press conferences. For years, WWE has held pressers after major events, featuring top stars and even Chief Content Officer Triple H addressing the media and taking questions. However, Mantell believes these events are often scripted and create unnecessary controversy for the company.
Mantell, a veteran of the wrestling industry, claimed on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Smack Talk podcast that he “hates” the post-show press conferences, labeling most of the content as “storyline and kayfabe” – a term used to describe the blurred lines between reality and fiction in professional wrestling. Mantell argues that if there are injuries, WWE should report them upfront, rather than using the press conferences as a platform to push storylines.
Moreover, Mantell believes that these press events often lead to controversy, which can garner negative press for the company. He suggested that instead of using these events to promote storylines, WWE should focus on providing fans with genuine updates on injuries and other important matters.
Triple H, who has been at the forefront of many of these press conferences, has used these events to tout WWE’s growth into a global juggernaut, with international events taking place throughout the year. However, Mantell’s comments raise important questions about the purpose and value of these press conferences.
Will WWE take Mantell’s criticism to heart and reevaluate the format of its post-show press conferences? Only time will tell. One thing is certain, however – the debate surrounding these events has sparked a necessary conversation about the line between fiction and reality in professional wrestling.
As the wrestling world continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if WWE takes steps to address Mantell’s concerns and create a more transparent and authentic experience for its fans. Until then, the debate rages on, leaving fans and wrestling insiders alike wondering – what’s real, and what’s just a storyline?
