Dutch Mantell unsure if two WWE stars will ever "get over"

Dutch Mantell performed as Uncle Zebekiah in WWE between 1995 and 1996 before working as the Zeb Colter character from 2013 to 2016. In a recent podcast episode, the legendary manager gave his honest thoughts on Aleister Black and Karrion Kross' future with the company.

Black returned to WWE in April after a four-year absence. The Dutchman is assigned to the SmackDown brand and has recently feuded with Carmelo Hayes and The Miz. Kross, meanwhile, has become popular with a large section of fans over the last year despite receiving limited television time on RAW.

Mantell said on his Story Time with Dutch Mantell podcast that he does not expect either wrestler to "get over" as a major star:

"I compared him [Aleister Black] to Karrion Kross. I don't see them on the current trajectory of really getting over. I have an idea, why don't we put those two together [laughs] and see what we can come up with? It's no reflection on his ability in the ring, Mr. Black, he's good, he's very good. I'm thinking about what is he supposed to be? What is he? Does it appeal to you? No, me neither." [2:51 – 3:35]

Mantell previously said on Sportskeeda Wrestling's BroDown that Black's WWE character is a "lost cause." He also doubted whether fans understand the returning star's mysterious persona.

Aleister Black and Karrion Kross' latest WWE appearances

On the May 23 episode of SmackDown, Aleister Black missed out on the chance to participate in the Men's Money in the Bank ladder match on June 7. The 40-year-old looked set to win a Triple Threat match after hitting Shinsuke Nakamura with a Black Mass. However, LA Knight threw him out of the ring before pinning Nakamura to qualify.

Expand Tweet

Karrion Kross defeated Tyler Bate in his latest televised bout on the May 15 episode of Main Event.

The two-time NXT Champion made a brief appearance on the May 26 episode of RAW in a backstage segment with Sami Zayn. However, he has not wrestled on the Monday night show since losing to AJ Styles on April 14.

Please credit Story Time with Dutch Mantell and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.

About the author

Danny Hart is a journalist who has been reporting on pro wrestling (WWE) at Sportskeeda since 2017. He grew up as a massive fan of football/soccer and wrestling, leading him to pursue a career in sports journalism.

Before assuming his current role, Hart worked as a football writer at Goal.com between 2009 and 2016. He prides himself on writing original content that is fact-based and highly accurate. Hart thoroughly proofreads his work before submitting it and relies only on credible sources for information.

Hart’s favorite pro wrestler is The Undertaker. He admires the 2022 WWE Hall of Famer’s ability to reinvent his character and remain relevant across his decades-long career. If given the keys to WWE’s creative department, he would bring back The Phenom for a farewell bout against AJ Styles in a stadium full of fans. Not only that, but he would love to have the multi-time world champion’s greatest rivals seated at ringside for the spectacle.

When not watching and covering sports, Hart enjoys long-distance running, playing video games, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

Know More

Edited by Danny Hart