Dutch Mantell clarifies backstage rumor about The Undertaker's first wife
Former WWE manager Dutch Mantel, formerly known as Zeb Colter, recently clarified a rumor surrounding The Undertaker's first wife. The Deadman was married to a woman named Jodi Lynn from 1989 to 1999.
During the latest episode of Story Time with Dutch Mantell, a fan asked the wrestling veteran whether there was any truth to the rumor that Brian Lee had an affair with The Undertaker's first wife. Lee famously portrayed the imposter Undertaker during their feud in 1994.
Mantell denied hearing about the rumor and it was not the reason why WWE parted ways with Lee. He explained that Prime Time respected The Phenom too much to do it.
"I knew Mark's ['Taker] first wife. Her name was Jodi. I don't think I ever heard, but also I would never say one way or the other, but truthfully, I've never heard that Brian Lee had any kind of doings with Jodi because I think he respected Mark and he also respected making Mark mad. Because Mark Calaway is a romping stomping, I mean, he can go. He can really go plus he's big and I don't think that charged him, got him fired later in 1998. When he was there, what got him fired was he failed the drug test," Mantell said. [0:30 - 1:28]
Brian Lee had two stints in WWE, with the first one being the fake Undertaker in 1994 and as Chainz of the Disciples of the Apocalypse from 1997 to 1998.
Brian Lee was the best man at The Undertaker's first wedding
Speaking to RF Video in 2006, the late Paul Bearer discussed the friendship between The Undertaker and Brian Lee. Bearer explained that The Phenom considered Lee one of his best friends and even made him his best man at his first wedding.
"Brian Lee is The Undertaker's best friend at that time. I guess they still are good friends but at that time he was his best friend. Brian Lee was his best man in his wedding, his first wedding and so they had a real connection there," Bearer said. [5:07 - 5:21]
The Deadman married his second wife, Sara, in 2000 and they got divorced in 2007. He then married former WWE star Michelle McCool in 2010 and they are still together.
If you use any quotes from the article's first half, please credit Story Time and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.