WWE legend's grim remark about Maximum Male Models has turned out to be true (Exclusive)
The Maximum Male Models idea was among the last failed projects inspired by Vince McMahon before the former WWE boss' ouster. Dutch Mantell recently recalled how he predicted the group to be "dead on arrival" when they first debuted.
The team started with LA Knight, as Max Dupri, hiring Mace and Mansoor for his kayfabe modeling agency, which would later be labeled "Maximum Male Models."
The group would also feature Maxxine Dupri before she left to join Alpha Academy. While Mace and Mansoor were released from the WWE in 2023, LA Knight and Maxxine Dupri are still part of the roster and involved in relevant storylines.
During this week's Smack Talk episode, Dutch Mantell reminded fans that he foresaw the fall of Maximum Male Models from day one.
Mantell briefly spoke about Mansoor and Mace, who've made all the right noises since departing WWE, and wished they had a great run outside the Stamford-based company.
"Did I call it right or not? I said, 'Dead on arrival!' Well, [are] they dead?! They are both gone now, right, except for LA Knight, right? I hope they do really well, but their little run on SmackDown left a lot to be desired, like everything,'' he said. [From 36:30 onwards]
Dutch Mantell praises the changes in WWE
It's no secret that the WWE has improved massively since Triple H took charge of the writing team.
Dutch Mantell noted that the promotion's shows have only improved over the past year, and it's all due to The Game's vision.
Mantell seemed convinced by Paul Levesque's capabilities as a pro wrestling booker and felt that the former world champion would not get carried away by the reactions to a star or storyline.
Mantell also touched upon the expected split of Austin Theory and Grayson Waller's tag team, and just like other angles, Dutch urged Triple H and co. to take their time in delivering a memorable pay-off.
"This show is so much better than it was a year ago, and it goes to show you what a good booker with foresight, with vision, can do. I don't think he gets really excited over anything. Take their time; I've always said that, because now we know [Grayson] Waller and [Austin] Theory are possibly heading for a breakup," he added. [From 41:00 onwards]
Triple H is playing a game-changing role in ushering in an exciting new era in WWE, and thus far, he's managed to impress many veterans.
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