Former WWE manager Dutch Mantell recently shared his thoughts on The Rock’s provocative promo and the censorship of fan signs and chants during the latest episode of SmackDown.
The Brahma Bull once again embraced his heel persona, delivering a scathing promo that elicited boos from the audience in Glendale, Arizona.
Notably, a fan sign with the words “Die Rocky Die” attempted to be censored by the production crew, resulting in a brief blackout on the broadcast.
Speaking on Smack Talk, Dutch Mantell questioned the decision to blackout the broadcast, suggesting that focusing on The Rock’s presence in the ring would have been more effective.
“Why didn’t they just put the camera on The Rock and leave it for a while? […] It created more questions than what they got an answer for.”
Mantell expressed concerns that the interruptions disrupted the flow of the segment, particularly when the spotlight was on one of the company’s biggest stars delivering a pivotal promo.
In the same discussion, Mantell highlighted The Rock’s assertion that WWE was enjoying immense success, with arenas across the country selling out for upcoming episodes of SmackDown.
Woah! @TheRock and The #Bloodline just challenged @CodyRhodes & @WWERollins to a Tag Team Match at #WrestleMania! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/RQjOZLxlpP
— WWE (@WWE) March 2, 2024
The People’s Champ specifically emphasized the sell-out crowds in Dallas and Memphis, cities he passionately promoted during his promo.
“What Rock has to say, and he promoted Dallas and Memphis strongly. So tonight is sold out. He says Dallas is sold out, Memphis is sold out. He called it his town; Memphis is his town. They’ll love that in Memphis.”
With The Rock slated to appear on SmackDown for the next two weeks alongside Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, anticipation for WrestleMania continues to build.
As tensions escalate, fans eagerly await Rhodes’ response to The Rock’s challenge, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in the road to WrestleMania.
