Controversial star is more likely to join AEW than WWE, Dutch Mantell believes

Legendary wrestling booker and manager Dutch Mantell recently offered his thoughts on whether Velveteen Dream could join AEW or WWE.

Dream, real name Patrick Clark Jr., was released by WWE in 2021, several months after he was accused of sexual misconduct. On January 2, the 28-year-old apologized to Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and SmackDown star Ashante Adonis in a heartfelt Instagram video.

Mantell said on Story Time with Dutch Mantell that AEW and WWE are unlikely to sign the controversial star. Out of the two companies, he also explained why AEW is a more probable destination for the former NXT talent:

"It's not up to me," Mantell stated. "It's up to fans. I'm going to say I don't think WWE will mess with him again. He was in NXT, wasn't he? And I don't think NXT would bother. I don't think AEW, they would mess with him. Of course, they may because that ship over there is kinda floating a little sideways anyway." [10:58 – 11:30]

Dream has not wrestled since losing to Adam Cole on the December 23, 2020, episode of NXT.

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Dutch Mantell on Velveteen Dream's post-WWE wrestling future

At one stage, Velveteen Dream looked likely to become one of the top stars of his generation. John Cena even said in 2018 that he viewed the former Tough Enough competitor as a future opponent.

If he does not join AEW or WWE, Dutch Mantell believes Dream will revive his wrestling career on the independent scene:

"I think the best he can hope for is maybe some independent shows, independent bookings, but that wears thin. So, I'm gonna vote the downside on that one [on] will he be accepted back." [11:31 – 11:47]

Former WWE star EC3 recently gave his honest opinion on Dream's social media apology.

What do you think the future holds for Velveteen Dream? Let us know in the comments section below.

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