Brock Lesnar allegedly changed major WWE plans as "nobody stood up to him" backstage, and Dutch Mantell has now reacted to the claim
Wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell recently opened up about Brock Lesnar winning the 2022 Royal Rumble, smashing the former WWE star's claim.
Earlier this week, Matt Riddle asserted that he was originally supposed to win the 30-man contest in 2022. However, The Beast Incarnate bullied his way into the Rumble at the last minute after losing the WWE Chapionship to Bobby Lashley earlier in the night.
According to The King of Bros, no one backstage stood up to Lesnar and he got what he wanted. This claim by the 37-year-old star has raised concerns over Vince McMahon and Triple H's power dynamics backstage from the former WWE manager.
Speaking on the latest edition of Story Time with Dutch Mantell, the 74-year-old legend spoke about the close relationship between Lesnar and Mr. McMahon when the latter had full control of the creative two years ago.
However, Mantell feels that The Beast walking over higher-ups and management to win the Royal Rumble is an unusual WWE setting because Triple H and McMahon would have taken some measures otherwise.
"He (Brock Lesnar) has a relationship with Vince or had, a very close relationship with Vince McMahon...and when he walks in he said, 'Hey, I'm winning it guys.' That's it, which sounds very very out of place in a WWE setting, that he walks in and says I'm winning it. Now didn't they check with Vince McMahon, didn't they check for somebody, didn't they with Triple H?" Dutch Mantell said. [From 47:04 to 47:37]
Check out the full episode below:
Tommy Dreamer believes WWE should book Brock Lesnar vs. Gunther at WrestleMania 40
Gunther is the current Intercontinental Champion and has been carrying the title for over 550 days. The Imperium leader has successfully defended his championship against the likes of Rey Mysterio, Drew McIntyre, The Miz, and several others.
During an appearance on the Busted Open Radio, Tommy Dreamer suggested that WWE should book Gunther vs. Brock Lesnar for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania XL, claiming the bout must happen.
"Listen, Gunther-Brock Lesnar, that should be his WrestleMania match no doubt about it. And then from there continue to put that rocket on him to make him an amazing WWE Superstar," he said.
The Beast Incarnate has been on a hiatus since SummerSlam 2023 and fans are excited for him to make his in-ring return at this year's Royal Rumble.
What did you think of Dutch Mantell's opinion on Matt Riddle's claim about Brock Lesnar? Sound off in the comments section below.
Please credit Story Time with Dutch Mantell and give a H/T to Sportskeeda if you use the above transcription.