Dutch Mantel was a major star in the southern promotions throughout the 70’s and 80’s.  He wasn’t a tall or well built wrestler, but he had the art of wrestling psychology down and could always deliver a good match.  Mantel’s greatest gift to wrestling was what he did outside of the ring utilizing his mind as a booker (he has booked numerous promotions) and as a commentator.  Dutch did perform in the WWE, but it was a waste of his talents where he was dubbed “Uncle Zebekiah” and managed the Blu twins and later Justin “Hawk” Bradshaw.  Had Mantel had more of a WWE presence be it in the ring or out, he would have been a serious Hall of Fame contender.

The Bullet Points:

Other Aliases:
Wayne Koewn (Real Name)
Dutch Bass
“Dirty” Dutch Mantell
Texas Dirt
Uncle Zebekiah
Zebekiah

Billed From:
U.S.A. (Oil Trough, TX)

Key Championships Held:
NWA Tennessee Tag Team (2) w/John Foley
NWA Mid America Southern Tag Team w/David Schultz
NWA Mid America Tag Team (2) 1w/Gypsy Joe, 1w/Ken Lucas
NWA Mid America Heavyweight (5)
WWC North American Tag Team (3) 2w/Frankie Laine, 1w/Davey Condrey
NWA Southeastern Television
CWA Tag Team (2) w/Austin Idol
AWA Southern Heavyweight (5)
CWA Mid America Heavyweight (10)
AWA Southern Tag Team (3) 1w/Koko B. Ware, 1w/Bill Dundee, 1w/Tommy Rich
CWA International Heavyweight (2)
Mid South Television
NWA Southeastern Heavyweight
WWC Universal Heavyweight
USWA Heavyweight

Why He Will Get In:
He has one of the greatest minds ever in the wrestling business.

Why He Won’t Get In:
His WWE stint is highlighted by being……Uncle Zebekiah

Five Greatest Matches/Moments: (In Chronological Order)
1.  Beat Randy Savage to win his first solo title (NWA Mid America
Heavyweight)  (3/26/78)
2.  Won the AWA Southern Heavyweight Title from Jerry Lawler
(2/14/82)
3.  Won the CWA International Title from Eddie Gilbert (9/17/84)
4.  Won the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title (6/22/94)
5.  Was the final USWA Heavyweight Champion (1997)