"Greener than grass" - Dutch Mantell believes WWE star isn't ready to be slotted in a big role (Exclusive)

Former booker Dutch Mantell recently commented on WWE SmackDown star Aliyah, stating that she needed more training before assuming a role on the main roster.

Aliyah spent several years in WWE's developmental system, but she finally got a chance on the main roster in 2021. She moved to SmackDown in the WWE Draft and briefly held a spot on the blue brand's team for Survivor Series. She got her first TV match in November and has been feuding with Natalya ever since. The two faced off last night, but Natalya refused to listen to the referee's orders, so the official disqualified her. After the bell, she continued to attack Aliyah until Xia Lee made the save

On the latest edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's Smack Talk, Dutch Mantell was joined by Sid Pullar III and respected wrestling journalist Bill Apter to review last night's episodes of SmackDown and AEW Rampage. Here's what Mantell had to say regarding Aliyah's match against Natalya last night on the blue brand:

"Well the finish really had a DQ,'' said Dutch Mantell. ''Then they introduced [Xia Li]. (...) So Aliyah, how long was she in NXT? 7 years right? They just warehoused her down there didn't they? I still don't think the girl is ready really. She looks greener than grass. NXT didn't get her ready. She should have been this good six or nine months in but she didn't progress past that. I don't get it. Sometimes I get it. Sometimes I don't."

Check out the full review in the video below as Dutch Mantell and Bill Apter provide insight and share their thoughts on AEW Rampage and WWE SmackDown:

Aliyah set a new record last week on WWE SmackDown

Last week Aliyah took on Natalya in a singles match on SmackDown. As soon as the match started, Aliyah rolled up the veteran to score the fastest victory in WWE history at 3.17 seconds.

It seems like the feud between Aliyah and Natalya will continue. However, with Xia Li now added to the mix, things might take a turn. What do you think of their current rivalry? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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