"I'm not doing it" – Dutch Mantell reveals one thing he refused to do in wrestling (Exclusive)

Dutch Mantell wrestled full-time for more than 25 years before focusing on his work as a booker and manager. The 74-year-old recently gave his take on weapons in wrestling and how the industry has evolved through the decades.

In the 1990s, Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) was viewed as a viable alternative to WCW and WWE. The promotion popularized in-ring moments based around weapons, including steel chair shots to the head.

On Sportskeeda Wrestling's Smack Talk, Mantell told host Sid Pullar III he refused to receive chair shots from certain opponents:

"When I used to go in these matches I said, 'If you're thinking about or have an inkling about hitting me with a chair, don't, because I got a baseball bat in my bag and when we go back and my head is ringing, I'm taking your knee out.' 'Oh, we're not gonna do that. We're not gonna hit you hard.' I said, 'No, you're not gonna hit me, period. I'm not doing it.' Now, I'd let some guys that I trusted, yeah, they could do it." [2:04 – 2:38]

Watch the video above to hear Mantell reflect on Netflix's Mr. McMahon docuseries. He also shared a story about Vince McMahon's treatment of women.

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Dutch Mantell prioritized storytelling over weapon-based matches

In WWE, Dutch Mantell performed as the Uncle Zebekiah and Zeb Colter on-screen characters. He represented several notable names, including Alberto Del Rio, Cesaro, and Jack Swagger.

Mantell also successfully booked hundreds of shows in Memphis, Puerto Rico, and elsewhere. During his time as a creative figurehead, the wrestling legend tried to keep fans invested with long-term storylines:

"I used to see these guys and they were trying to change the business, like ECW and that hardcore style, and getting hit with chairs and put through tables and all this, and I'm thinking, 'You know, what happened to storytelling?'" Mantell said. "Storytelling went out the window 20-something-odd years ago, and it's come back lately because it's a lot easier way to do it and you know where you've been and where you're going." [1:30 – 1:57]

In a separate video, Mantell discussed the "stupid ideology" behind WWE's rivalries with other companies.

What are your thoughts on steel chair shots in wrestling? Hit the discuss button and let us know.

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Dutch Mantell and his wife Cathy have battled life-threatening health issues in recent months. You can show your support by leaving a donation via GoFundMe.

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Please credit Sportskeeda Wrestling's Smack Talk and embed the video if you use Dutch Mantell's quotes from this article.