Wrestling legend Dutch Mantell unleashed a torrent of criticism against former WWE executive John Laurinaitis following news of Laurinaitis’s dismissal as a defendant in Janel Grant’s lawsuit after agreeing to cooperate. Speaking on “Story Time With Dutch Mantell,” Mantell labeled Laurinaitis a “backstabbing bastard,” accused him of a career built on “scraping dirt up and kissing up,” and predicted Vince McMahon would settle the Grant lawsuit for upwards of $50 million to avoid a trial.
The discussion centered on Laurinaitis “rolling over on Vince twice,” as Mantell put it—first by claiming victimhood alongside Grant, then denying anything happened, and now agreeing to provide evidence against McMahon and WWE. “Victimhood my ass,” Mantell scoffed. He firmly believes the case will not go to trial: “They’re not going to have a trial about this. They’re going to go and he’s [Vince] going to pay them a ton, a ton of money. Let’s just settle out of court… I think we’re looking at 50 [million].” When host James Romero suggested ten million plus, Mantell reiterated, “50 million. I think I really do… They ruined that woman’s life, if you want to put it that way. So what’s a life worth? I think 50 million.”
Mantell argued that Laurinaitis, despite any evidence he provides, would be a “horrible” witness due to his shifting statements and lack of credibility, making a settlement the preferred route for all parties. He also recounted a past incident where Vince McMahon allegedly paid $1.5 million for an NDA involving Laurinaitis and a WWE office employee whom Laurinaitis had reportedly demoted after their relationship ended.
Mantell did not mince words about Laurinaitis’s character: “Everybody that I’ve ever met… they couldn’t stand him. John Laurinaitis is just the way he got there. He is a backstabbing bastard, and that’s the way he’s always been his whole life. If you look at him, he’s not that great in the ring, he’s not that great on interviews, but he is great at at dirt, scraping dirt up and kissing up to the promoter or the owner… I have found no redeeming qualities with John Laurinaitis ever. And he’ll be really, really friendly to your face and turn right around and stick the knife right in your heart.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Storytime with Dutch Mantell with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
