Former WWE manager Dutch Mantell, also known as Zeb Colter, recently shared a fascinating tale from his wrestling days, shedding light on an unexpected partnership with Evelyn Stevens.
With over five decades in the pro wrestling realm, the 74-year-old has traversed various roles both on and off the screen. Dutch’s journey spans from being a full-time competitor in the 70s and 80s to later managing top talents in the industry.
During a recent episode of Wrestling’s Smack Talk, Dutch Mantell recounted a peculiar encounter from 1984.
He reminisced about teaming up with Evelyn Stevens to face Angel and Rick Rude in a mixed tag team match.
Despite his extensive experience, Dutch confessed to having no recollection of the event until it was brought up by the host of another podcast.
“So I was doing my other podcast and the guy brought it up. He said, ‘You tag teamed with this female against Rick Rude and somebody.’ I did not remember her at all. Even when I looked her picture up, I still didn’t even recognize her. I had two matches with her in the corner and don’t even remember. Then I heard later that three years later, she shot and killed her husband. So I am the only wrestler that has probably tag-teamed with a murderous woman. She actually killed her husband, but I have never heard of the girl. Nobody else has heard of her either.” [From 20:56 onwards]
Dutch Mantell’s stint with WWE as a manager, notably under the persona of Zeb Colter, saw him guiding top talents like Jack Swagger and Cesaro to success.
In a surprising turn of events, Evelyn Stevens, Dutch’s former wrestling partner, found herself embroiled in a real-life tragedy.
Following the murder of her husband Frank Riegle, Stevens faced a conviction and served a 20-year sentence, later receiving a pardon after five years.
Dutch Mantell’s revelation unveils an unexpected twist from his wrestling past, highlighting the complexities of life both inside and outside the ring.
