Dutch Mantell makes bold prediction about major AEW feud - "I don't think it'll draw anything"
AEW is currently on the road to two of its biggest events of the year - All In and All Out. The company has increased its effort to create a buzz for the events, after recent viral angles, but one wrestling veteran wasn't impressed with a certain moment. Dutch Mantell has shared his bold prediction for a current feud.
A major topic of discussion coming out of AEW Dynamite was the heel turn of Mariah May. The 25-year-old won The Owen Hart Foundation Women's Tournament this past Wednesday, but then turned heel on her mentor, Toni Storm. With the tournament win, May earned a hometown title shot against Storm for the Women's World Championship when AEW returns to London for All In.
The Fighting Princess and Timeless Toni are now locked in a feud on the road to All In. Despite excitement over the bloody show-closing Dynamite angle, Mantell doesn't think the rivalry will draw much from the fans. The former Zeb Colter of WWE was asked what he thought of the turn during the latest episode of Story Time with Dutch Mantell. However, he did say that the heel turn was unique.
"Well, it wasn't... it wasn't awful. I don't think it's gonna... draw anything, I really don't. But it was unique, it was," Dutch Mantell said. [From 1:08:16 to 1:08:32]
You can check out his comments in the video below:
Mantell explained that he does not like female wrestlers using a lot of blood, which also goes for male wrestlers, as the story should take precedence. He added that "the juice" was not needed in this particular angle. The 52-year industry veteran recalled watching the segment with no thoughts at all but felt it was "actually pretty good" for what it was meant to be - a vehicle for the turn.
AEW All In updated lineup and rumored matches
All Elite Wrestling will return to London, England for All In on Sunday, August 25. The big event will be held at the Wembley Stadium and will coincide with the UK's August Bank Holiday weekend.
The first two main events have now been officially announced for the pay-per-view. Bryan Danielson will challenge World Champion, Swerve Strickland, while Mariah May will try to dethrone Women's World Champion, Toni Storm.
May earned her title shot by defeating Willow Nightingale to win The Owen Hart Foundation Women's Tournament this past Wednesday. Meanwhile, Danielson became the number-one contender for Strickland's title for winning the men's tournament, defeating Hangman Page in the final.
AEW is expected to confirm additional All In bouts soon. A few title matches currently rumored, but unconfirmed are Britt Baker vs. TBS Champion Mercedes Moné, Darby Allin vs. TNT Champion Jack Perry, Hangman vs. Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada, and PAC vs. International Champion Will Ospreay.