Ex-WWE star was not marketable enough to be a top guy, Dutch Mantell says
Dutch Mantell was a TNA creative team member between 2003 and 2009 before joining WWE in 2013 as the Zeb Colter character. The legendary booker and manager recently addressed why Tyson Tomko did not achieve more in the wrestling business.
Tomko worked for WWE between 2002 and 2006. The six-foot-six star shared the ring with several big names, including Chris Jericho, John Cena, and Randy Orton. He also had two stints with TNA between 2006 and 2010.
On Story Time with Dutch Mantell, Mantell said Tomko did not have enough appeal to be viewed as a top star:
"He was a tough-looking guy but he just never got rolling in TNA, and the reason being is I never saw anything that was marketable about him in a top spot. You could use him underneath with something, and if I'd have had time maybe to get to know him and tell a story with him, he would have done a lot better." [4:15 – 4:42]
Tomko's WWE run is best remembered for his work as an enforcer alongside Christian. He also formed alliances with AJ Styles, Christian, and Kurt Angle in TNA.
Dutch Mantell on Tyson Tomko's personality
According to Dutch Mantell, Tyson Tomko was not the kind of person to cause problems behind the scenes in TNA or WWE.
Mantell believes substance issues likely played a big role in the imposing wrestler's lack of progression in the industry:
"When I met Tomko in TNA, he had the look, he had the size, but, I think he's even said this, too, he had a substance problem. He had a pill problem, I think, and he finally had to end up going to rehab to do something about that. But as far as being wild and rambunctious, he wasn't that. He was actually much, much quieter than you thought he would be." [0:22 – 0:59]
Tomko's final televised WWE match occurred at WrestleMania 22 in 2006. He participated in a pre-show Battle Royal, which was won by Viscera.
Do you have any memories of Tyson Tomko's wrestling career? Hit the discuss button and let us know.
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.
Please credit Story Time with Dutch Mantell and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.