WWE’s WrestleMania 40 provided its usual array of shocks and surprises, chief among them The Undertaker’s dramatic appearance. The legendary wrestler, who officially retired from in-ring action in 2020, made an unforgettable impact by delivering a chokeslam to The Rock during the highly anticipated title match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns.
Despite the crowd’s enthusiastic response, not all feedback was positive. Dutch Mantell, a respected WWE veteran and former SmackDown manager, shared his insights on Sportskeeda’s SmackTalk. He expressed his dissatisfaction with The Undertaker’s choice of attire for the night, sparking a broader conversation about the evolution of wrestling icons.
Dutch Mantell’s Take on The Undertaker’s Attire
“I do have a few complaints. Like (Under)Taker showing up in biker gear instead of showing up in his Undertaker outfit. I went, ‘What the hell?’ But anyway, it was almost the way we predicted it. I don’t know where Austin was. I guess he said hey I got a fishing trip I gotta go on,”
Mantell remarked, not hiding his disappointment over the deviation from the traditional Undertaker persona. This unexpected fashion choice by The Undertaker not only surprised fans but also drew a light-hearted comment from Mantell about another wrestling superstar, Stone Cold Steve Austin, who was rumored but did not appear at the event.
Commentary Controversies at WrestleMania 40
The surprises at WrestleMania 40 weren’t confined to the ring. The commentary during the event, particularly the performance of Corey Graves, was another point of contention. Mantell did not mince words about his experience with the commentary, noting that it detracted from his enjoyment of the event.
“If I had to say one thing that was a negative in this pay-per-view, was Corey Graves. He da*n near killed it for me. I listened to him I go, ‘God.’ I turned my TV down. I really did… McAfee, I am glad he was there,” Mantell shared. His comments underscore the critical role commentators play in shaping the viewing experience, highlighting how even seasoned professionals can polarize fan opinions.
Looking Ahead: The Fallout from WrestleMania 40
As the dust settles from WrestleMania 40, the wrestling community continues to debate and discuss the implications of this year’s event. From The Undertaker’s surprise intervention to the divisive commentary, each element contributes to the ongoing narrative that keeps fans engaged year after year. With future programming on the horizon, the WWE universe is keen to see how these events will influence storylines and character developments moving forward.
The moment Undertaker came into the ring 🫡🫡🫡 pic.twitter.com/b9wBpMSNXH
— Mayowa🦧🇨🇦 (@JoyMart14) April 8, 2024
WrestleMania 40 has once again underscored the WWE’s ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary entertainment, keeping the spirit of professional wrestling alive in the hearts of a global audience. As we reflect on the twists and turns of this year’s event, the anticipation for what’s next continues to grow, proving that in WWE, expect the unexpected.
