In the high-octane world of WWE, the Elimination Chamber stands as one of the most anticipated events on the wrestling calendar. However, not everyone is singing its praises. Wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell recently voiced his concerns, labeling the event as “boring” and critiquing its placement before WrestleMania, the zenith of WWE’s yearly schedule. Mantell’s candid insights shed light on the complexities of storytelling and pacing in professional wrestling, offering a unique perspective on the build-up to WrestleMania.
The Elimination Chamber’s Shortcomings
Mantell, a seasoned figure in the wrestling world, has always harbored reservations about the Elimination Chamber format. Despite the initial excitement it garners, Mantell argues that the matches tend to lose steam, falling into a predictable rhythm that fails to captivate. “I have never liked that match anyway for some reason. It was okay, but it gets so frigging boring after a while,” Mantell remarked on a recent episode of SmackTalk.
On a recent episode of his “Story Time” podcast, the legendary Dutch Mantell discussed the ongoing narrative that #SamiZayn should have defeated Undisputed #WWE Universal Champion #RomanReigns at WWE Elimination Chamber.https://t.co/B9Ggen3ODj pic.twitter.com/yLwADqbrMN
— WRESTLINGATTITUDE.COM (@wa_wrestling) March 1, 2023
His critique extends beyond the match format to the strategic positioning of the Elimination Chamber event in the WWE calendar. With WrestleMania looming, Mantell feels that the event serves more as a placeholder, a “maintenance show” that restrains significant storyline developments. “Especially WrestleMania is right down the road. So we can’t do too much here. We just gotta maintain momentum till we get there,” he explained, highlighting a missed opportunity for deeper narrative progression.
Predictability in Storytelling: The Case of The Bloodline
Delving into specific storylines, Mantell pointed out the predictability surrounding The Bloodline and its trajectory towards WrestleMania. The anticipation of Roman Reigns’ storyline arc, according to Mantell, exemplifies the predictability that often plagues WWE narratives. “And the thing with the Roman, you know he is built for WrestleMania. So he has got to, something has to happen there. Cody has to be the champion there. But then isn’t that predictable?” Mantell questioned, calling for a fresh approach to storytelling that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
WrestleMania’s Runtime: A Concern for Fans and Wrestlers Alike
Beyond the match formats and storyline predictability, Mantell also touched on the issue of WrestleMania’s duration. The wrestling extravaganza is known for its lengthy runtime, packed with back-to-back matches that can test even the most dedicated fans’ endurance. Mantell warns of the dangers of overextending the event, suggesting that a shorter, more impactful show could enhance viewer engagement. “Those long shows like that? That to me, I don’t like ’em. But I think the fans sit there. Never let the fans sit on their thumbs,” he cautioned, advocating for a pacing that keeps the audience invested from start to finish.
As WrestleMania approaches, with four matches already on the docket, Mantell’s observations serve as a timely reminder of the delicate balance required to craft a compelling wrestling event. The challenge for WWE lies in addressing these critiques, ensuring that WrestleMania not only lives up to its billing as the Show of Shows but also reinvigorates fan interest with unpredictable outcomes and a runtime that keeps the audience riveted. Will WWE heed Mantell’s advice, or will WrestleMania continue down a predictable path? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the wrestling world will be watching closely.
