Wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell believes former WWE Superstar Ryback was elevated into the main event picture far too quickly, arguing that his rapid push exposed a fundamental lack of experience when placed alongside top-tier talent.
Speaking on a recent episode of Story Time with Dutch Mantell, the former Zeb Colter responded to a viewer who suggested Ryback’s 2012–2013 run—which included rivalries against John Cena, Mark Henry, and The Shield—deserves far more historical credit.
Inexperience Exposed Against Top Talent
Mantell pushed back against the viewer’s assessment, explaining that while squashing local enhancement talent built initial momentum, Ryback struggled once WWE thrust him into complex storylines and longer main event matches:
“I don’t think he gets a bad rap because I don’t think he was really prepared to be in the spot that they put him in. That’s what I think happened to Ryback. Because the spot they wanted him in, they wanted to see if he could do the same thing that John Cena had done. John Cena more or less got himself over. I don’t think Ryback knew how to get himself over. His first month, or three to four weeks or whatever, he went in there against overmatched opponents and he just beat the crap out of them. … Then they put him in there with more advanced talent and his inexperience really shined through.”
Mantell recalled how WWE creative would frequently pivot or abandon creative directions for Ryback from week to week—a telltale sign that management lost confidence in his readiness:
“Then the next week they did nothing with him at all. … And it happened to Ryback, and I think it’s happened to a few more guys. But the reason they did that with Ryback is because basically lack of experience.”
Believable On The Mic, But Unready For The Top Spot
When asked directly whether Ryback belonged in the main event picture during that era, Mantell offered a definitive refusal, though he credited Ryback for delivering convincing, intense promo work:
“No, he wasn’t. He had a good interview. You believed his interview because he was serious. He was serious as a heart attack. But he wasn’t experienced enough to move up with the higher talent, the higher heels. He was a babyface. He was inexperienced and I don’t think the people would have bought it.”
While Ryback stated earlier this year that he has made peace with his WWE past and encouraged fans to move on from old disputes, Mantell’s breakdown highlights the booking pitfalls that ultimately halted his main event momentum.
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