There was a time when “The Living Legend” Larry Zbyszko was on Chris Jericho’s case about using the “Living Legend” nickname. Jericho began using the moniker in 2001 and this was around the time WWE wanted Zbyszko to come in and face Y2J. Obviously, that idea was torpedoed and a lawsuit followed.
What resulted was decades of snide comments about the other. Fast forward to 2023 and we have another case of this as “Dirty” Dutch Mantel isn’t pleased with WWE RAW superstar “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio.
Dirty Dutch Mantel Isn’t Here for WWE and Dominik Mysterio Using the ‘Dirty’ Nickname Without Speaking with Him
Mysterio began going by the nickname recently and old “Dirty” Dutch Mantel sat with Sportskeeda to say his peace on this offense. Apparently, the offense comes from the nickname just being bestowed upon Dominik Mysterio by WWE. Dirty Dutch—who appeared in WWE both as Uncle Zebekiah in the 90s and as Zeb Colter alongside Jack Swagger—wasn’t consulted by the company.
He told Wrestlebinge:
“Hey, thanks, Paul. Thanks, Triple H. Thanks, Vince. Thanks, Endeavor. If you’re going to steal, at least why didn’t you put a call? Just a heads-up call. ‘Hey, we want to call him this because he needs something.’”
In addition, he doesn’t feel that the nickname will add anything to Dominik. It should be noted that Dutch took on the nickname in 1980 but it’s not the most unique nickname. IMPACT Wrestling has a Dirty Dango right now.
When asked his opinion on the matter, Teddy Long simply said that “Dirty” Dutch Mantel had to “stay relevant”. Honestly, that’s the best advice on this matter. Simply because you were known for something or as someone for decades doesn’t mean it’ll always be that way.
Remaining relevant is extremely important in wrestling. It’s why “Nature Boy” Buddy Landel never really took off despite having the talent and charisma. Wrestling already had a Nature Boy, it had one both before he wrestled and before he took on the nickname, and that same Nature Boy was still around.
Not only that, this Nature Boy is a main eventer and regular World champion! Another Nature Boy wasn’t necessary and we haven’t had another since. However, is “Dirty” Dutch Mantel still being dirty today? Do a lot people know he’s being dirty?
Millions know “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio is dirty, he does some ratfink stuff every week. Relevance is key in this instance but share your thoughts on this. Also, lets us know if the new nickname will add anything to the young superstar.
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