Dutch Mantell Calls John Laurinaitis a “Snake” Amid Divorce and WWE Allegations

Dutch Mantell, the retired professional wrestler, booker, and wrestling manager, has stirred controversy with his comments about former WWE executive John Laurinaitis during a recent episode of his podcast, Storytime with Dutch Mantell. Mantell, known for his candid opinions, referred to Laurinaitis as a “snake” while discussing the ongoing divorce between Laurinaitis and his wife, Kathy Colace.

Reflecting on his professional relationship with Laurinaitis, Mantell shared, “I knew about him before I even got there [in 2013]. His reputation preceded him, and I knew how he was before because I’d heard stories about him. With time, he was just a snake, basically.” Mantell continued by describing Laurinaitis as someone who couldn’t be trusted with confidential information. “Don’t tell him nothing you don’t want anybody to know, because he’ll tell everybody, plus add on to it a little bit, and to the negative.”

Mantell also alluded to Laurinaitis’ climb up the ranks in WWE, stating, “I could look at him and say, ‘Here’s a guy who wanted to be a wrestler. Now he’s wearing a suit and tie running around.’” He went on to criticize Laurinaitis’ quick rise to power, suggesting that Laurinaitis used shortcuts to gain favor with WWE management.

The controversy surrounding Laurinaitis has gained even more attention recently following his divorce from Kathy Colace, which was announced in October 2024. The split comes amidst ongoing legal battles involving WWE, including Vince McMahon’s sex trafficking lawsuit, which has added fuel to the fire.

Mantell’s comments shed light on the darker side of professional wrestling, highlighting issues of integrity and accountability within the industry. As legal proceedings continue, Laurinaitis and other key figures remain under scrutiny, with their personal and professional lives becoming intertwined in a public spectacle.