Ex-WWE name shares how the company shaped the careers of The Rock and other stars; influenced mainstream success (Exclusive)

Veteran wrestling manager Dutch Mantell recently discussed how The Rock got his start from WWE and the company's impact on their career. He also spoke about other mainstream stars like Batista, Kane, and The Undertaker.

The 52-year-old star debuted in WWE as Rocky Maivia at the 1996 Survivor Series. Since then, he worked through the ranks, becoming one of the biggest stars in the company. Several other wrestlers have similar stories of gaining mainstream success after successful careers inside the squared circle.

In a recent episode of Smack Talk, Mantell explained that being associated with the WWE is always a big plus. He pointed out that every week, millions of people around the globe tune in to WWE programming, making the wrestlers household names. He felt that major stars such as The Rock, Batista, The Undertaker, and Kane, now mainstream names, benefitted from their time in the company.

"Once you make it there (WWE), it never leaves you. You got it forever... and people would refer to you as knowing more than they know. WWE is known worldwide as the founder of a great wrestling promotion, the founder of great wrestling talents. You see, even after they get out of the business, like Hulk Hogan. Hulk Hogan was on TV with Trump. Look at The Rock, what he's doing. Look at Batista, what he's done. Undertaker, Kane, and all those guys. You can't take it from them. They've done it; people know they've done it." [From 6:15 onwards]

The Rock is currently a member of the Board of Directors at TKO. He was also heavily involved in the lead-up to WrestleMania XL.

It will be interesting to see if the Final Boss also has a major storyline during next year's Mania.

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