Sports Illustrated has published an interview with wrestling legend Dirty Dutch Mantell, perhaps best known to WWE fans as former manager Zeb Colter. Mantell also appeared on a recent episode of the Jim Cornette Experience podcast and told some amazing stories about his long career in the business. During his talk with SI, Mantell explained why he felt the whole MexAmerica angle and his pairing with Alberto Del Rio failed so badly.

“WWE failed to take into account that it didn’t make a lot of sense,” he said. “Remember, I hated Alberto Del Rio, and he hated me. So, all of a sudden, I disappeared and came back. But it’s not necessarily the first step in wrestling that is the most important, because it’s the second step that identifies and clarifies the first one. That’s what we didn’t do. There was no chemistry, but there was also no logical explanation as to why I would be with Alberto. I said to the guys in the back, ‘I’m not getting the story,’ but people kept saying, ‘Just wait.’ I’ve walked on enough wrestling floors, and I know if a crowd isn’t getting a certain vibe. The chemistry wasn’t there with me and Alberto.”

The alliance with Del Rio really work out, but Mantell had a different idea for his reintroduction to WWE storylines. “I suggested that I get back with Jack [Swagger]. What I really wanted to say during my return was, ‘When I was away, I realized that, instead of building walls, we should be building bridges. Instead of hating on people, I should be loving people.’ That was the build-up, but then we’d find out that, while I was away, I was really having a s— fit about every son of a b—- who f—– me over, and Alberto was one of them. So my plan was to convince Alberto to let Jack join us, and then we’d do the big turn at the end, and that would have helped everybody.”

Unfortunately, WWE didn’t see it that way and wanted Del Rio to be a heel. They worked together for a short stretch and wound up going their separate ways. Neither man is with WWE anymore, so we know how that turned out.

– John Cena will be the ESPN Off The Top Rope guest for Jonathan Coachman this week. Due to the WWE Draft, the segment will air in the 10:15pm segment tonight. After tonight, the weekly segment will move to Wednesday nights, according to Coach on Twitter.

– Dolph Ziggler isn’t the only wrestling star at the Republican National Convention this year as former WWE star Zeb Colter is headed there Friday. He tweeted:

HEADED TO CLEVELAND THIS WEEK. TAKING IN THE @GOPconvention THEN I'LL STOP BY @aiwrestling FOR A WILD FIGHT. SEE YOU FRIDAY. #WeThePeople

— ??. ????? (@DirtyDMantell) July 19, 2016

Going to Cleveland this week to #GopConvention to see history made. Then I'm stopping by @aiwrestling to see a HUGE fight. See you Friday.

— ?????????? ?? ????? (@dirtydutchman1) July 19, 2016

– WWE has released new videos of newcomers Bin Wang and Dan Matha training at the Performance Center:

– MizTV with Bob Backlund and Darren Young has been announced for this week’s SmackDown. The Miz will defend his WWE IC Title against Darren Young at the 7/24 Battleground PPV after winning a battle royal on RAW.

– Former WWE star Zeb Colter (Dutch Mantell) will appear at a stand-up comedy show in Nashville, Tennessee on 8/10 at Zanies. More information is available here.

– The Rock appears pretty close with the new UFC owners, as seen in this tweet. Rock is represented by WME, who along with IMG and investors are the new UFC owners after a $4 billion sale.

Congrats to my WME team on purchasing @UFC. Excited for this opportunity for global growth. https://t.co/e9LHCBOoiQ pic.twitter.com/5WZpO7qiZU

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) July 12, 2016

– Below is a preview for Wednesday’s NXT episode with Finn Balor facing Shinsuke Nakamura:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6m6g5y1bQs

– Playing off the “Surprise John Cena” Internet meme, the Cricket Wireless mobile carrier teamed up with Cena himself to surprise fans at an in-store promotional event. It’s a really cool video that once again demonstrates how Cena is larger than life and an inspiration to fans of all ages. As WWE looks to coronate Roman Reigns the next “face of the company,” it becomes even more apparent what an uphill battle they’re facing.

– Heath Slater has launched a GoFundMe to raise money for victims of the severe flooding in West Virginia, where he’s from. The campaign has a goal of $25,000 and can be found in the tweet below from Slater:

https://t.co/cTnMTQjzAp This is something very near and dear to my heart. Please help me help my home state. #wvstrong #mountaineerforever

— HEATHXXII (@HEATHXXII) June 29, 2016

– Zeb Colter is finally taking bookings after being cut by WWE last month. He tweeted this teaser today:

GOOD MORNING @WWE UNIVERSE. BIG NEWS COMING SOON…ACCEPTING PERSONAL APPEARANCE/SIGNING DATES…dirtydutchmantell@gmail.com

— ??. ????? (@DirtyDMantell) June 29, 2016

– It’s worth noting that WWE Cruiserweight Classic participant Lince Dorado worked Monday’s TNA tapings in Orlando. Under a different mask and using the name Balam, Dorado faced Mandrews on the Xplosion tapings and did a quick angle with Rockstar Spud and Braxton Sutter for a future Impact episode.

– The recently released Zeb Colter posted this teaser today:

ICYMI, CHECK OUT MY INSTAGRAM PAGE AT realzebcolter. NOBODY KNOWS ABOUT IT. FOLLOW ME. BIG CHANGES COMING. @wwe

— ??. ????? (@DirtyDMantell) June 14, 2016

– Bayley gets “Swerved” by awkward fan Willy Roberts in this new WWE Swerved extra:

– Stephanie McMahon and the Dallas Cowboys’ Charlotte Jones Anderson will speak at the Women’s Leadership LIVE event on May 19-22 in Irving, Texas.

– Chris Jericho offered this advice to WWE fans today:

Here's an idea- don't boo me & tell me I suck during a @wwe show, then expect me to sign your action figure at the airport the next morn…

— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) May 11, 2016

– Zeb Colter continues to make in-character tweets on his WWE exit:

IF I HADN'T BEEN SEPARATING THESE 2 SO MUCH, WE MIGHT HAVE WON A FEW MORE MATCHES. @WWE @RealJackSwagger @WWECesaro pic.twitter.com/HuYuNKYUEw

— ??. ????? (@DirtyDMantell) May 11, 2016

https://twitter.com/ThreeCountLuuk/status/730270227863351296

GOT A BETTER IDEA. WHY DON'T I JUST DROP YOU? MUCH EASIER. EL BLOCKO!! https://t.co/FghnSepcyO

— ??. ????? (@DirtyDMantell) May 11, 2016

– Luke Gallows vs. Roman Reigns was scheduled for Tuesday night’s Smackdown tapings but did not happen for some reason. Gallows and Karl Anderson faced The Usos instead.

• Spoilers For This Week’s WWE SmackDown

– Zeb Colter issued his first Twitter comments since being cut from WWE last Friday:

ARE YOU GOING TO MISS ME WHEN I GO? I THINK THESE 2 GUYS PLAYED A PART IN ALL THIS. @WWE pic.twitter.com/7nsJp0enfO

— ??. ????? (@DirtyDMantell) May 11, 2016

– Here’s another clip from NBC’s “Today” show with John Cena and crew going over Memorial Day BBQ tips:

What makes a perfectly juicy burger? @JohnCena wanted to find out as he co-hosted @nbc's @TODAYshow once again! https://t.co/CJy93ax4yY

— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2016

The last time WWE did a big round of cuts, it was Thursday, June 12, 2014, when they released JTG, Drew McIntyre, Jinder Mahal, Aksana, Curt Hawkins, Teddy Long, Camacho, Brodus Clay, Evan Bourne, Yoshi Tatsu, and referee Marc Harris. Since then, the company moved in a different direction, electing to allow most contracts to expire. It made enough sense: It’s not the type of thing you necessarily want to publicize. For whatever reason, that changed today, Friday, May 6, 2016.

While WWE doing a big round of cuts is surprising in and of itself, the choices themselves aren’t necessarily out of left field. Let’s take a look at who got cut and why it may or may not make sense:

Zeb Colter (Wayne Keown): Veteran wrestler and booker Dutch Mantel had has career revived for one last big run starting in 2013 as Jack Swagger’s manager. Billed as having served with Swagger’s father (who was portrayed by fellow southern veteran Jimmy Golden) in Vietnam, he reprised his mid-’90s Uncle Zebekiah gimmick as a Tea Party-loving heel and was cutting some of the best promos in the business. However, the character had largely run its course and, except for a six week run last fall, he had been off TV for two years. A lot of people already thought that he was gone, as he’s been taking independent bookings, using his Dutch Mantel Twitter account again, and the official Zeb Colter Twitter account had its “Verified” check mark removed.

El Torito (real name unknown; formerly Mascarita Dorada): The Mexican mini star had nothing to do after Los Matadores were dissolved, having been off TV since last fall. Unless WWE brought in someone from Mexico to be his opponent as a house show opening match act, what could they even have done with him? It’s a shame since it’s so talented. Hopefully he can pick up where he left off in Mexico.

Alex Riley (Kevin Kiley Jr.): He was never really given a shot. His initial babyface turn on The Miz got over to a surprising degree with live crowds, but that fizzled. He could talk well and improved in the ring and occasionally got a minor spotlight (like his match with Shinsuke Nakamura airing on NXT next week) but he clearly hasn’t been any kind of priority for a long time. He didn’t wrestle for an eight month stretch last year and only worked 29 matches to date in 2016.

Hornswoggle (Dylan Postl): He had been off TV for the better part of two years, barely wrestled, and failed a drug test last fall. If WWE was going to do a round of cuts, it was inevitable that he’d be on the list, though not necessarily due to any fault of his own. He deserves credit for lasting a decade in the company, especially since he was brought it seemingly to sabotage Finlay’s push.

Cameron (Ariane Andrew): The former “Tough Enough” contestant never really improved to the point she could carry her end of a match, though she was a very entertaining personality on “Total Divas.” That, and her boyfriend Vinny becoming a fan favorite character, clearly helped extend her run. Even if she had improved more, she had a big hill to climb with fans after saying on Tough Enough that Melina vs. Alicia Fox was the greatest match she had ever seen. She had just nine matches this year, had been off TV since a January NXT appearance, and hadn’t been on main roster television in about a year.

Santino Marella (Anthony Carelli): He had announced his retirement at a house show in his home town of Toronto almost two years ago, though he had teased returning at times on social media. That seemed a lot less likely after this:

Well folks bad news, we had semi-emergency surgery today, had to remove all the hardware in my neck, not sure what recovery will entail

— Santino Marella (@milanmiracle) December 12, 2014

It was honestly pretty surprising that he was still under a talent contract at this point, especially if releasing him was in the cards.

Wade Barrett (Stu Bennett): He had announced he wasn’t renewing his contract. While a lot of his setbacks in WWE were just bad luck with injuries, he was completely derailed by the transition from Bad News Barrett to King Barrett. He went from a guy who was funny but able to be taken seriously as a tough guy to a total joke who ran around wearing a crown.

Damien Sandow: They built to his babyface turn with the Damien Mizdow gimmick…then it fizzled. Then he vanished. What happened? Who knows?

– Jim Cornette is not happy that Damien Sandow was among the eight talents released today by WWE. Here is what he wrote on Twitter.

Why is everyone shocked @WWE fired @TheDamienSandow ?? They need more room to hire hoes for Total Divas, can't let wrestlers get in the way!

— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) May 6, 2016

He then retweeted these posts.

@TheJimCornette @TheDamienSandow pic.twitter.com/KPDf7WI5XS

— Turnbuckle Media (@TurnbuckleMag) May 6, 2016

@TheJimCornette pic.twitter.com/Od7AwRpV7d

— Jeremy (@JeremyTheMVP) May 6, 2016

He is, however, happy that longtime friend Zeb Colter was released from “prison.”

On the positive side, @dirtydutchman1 , one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, has been released from prison and could reappear soon–

— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) May 6, 2016

– Eden addressed the possibility of wrestling in a Q&A on her official website this week.

Ah, the old wrassler question. I am going to say what I’ve said before which is I am a trained wrestler. I trained at both FCW and NXT. In Tampa and Orlando respectively. YES I have trained with my husband. Yes. I have wrestling boots. Yes I have more gear than some of the female wrestlers that are currently on TV (the whole “always be prepared and never look anything but the part on TV”…that’s in me). I was hired as a wrestling talent. Things went a different way. When I got hired in 2011 they were looking for different things. I was an athletic model…there were more of us than independent girls. Now that’s changed quite a bit. So maybe I don’t fit into this current crop of talent? But I never say no, because I don’t like to put my foot in my mouth. I don’t make those decisions though. We all express that and people still don’t seem to understand that a lot of things are not in our control as talent. All I can do is make suggestions and work really hard on ideas which I have done many times already. I am a jack of many trades. Someday maybe I’ll share some on camera work with you guys. But not today. So I guess, that answer will have to do for now. Check back with me in a little while though. You never know what might happen.

• WWE Locker Room Thinks A Wrestler Has Been “Partying Out Of Control”

– Zeb Colter, who was released by WWE on Friday, has been announced to appear at an event co-promoted by WrestlePro and Global Force Wrestling on Saturday, June 11 in Keyport, New Jersey.

Welcome @WWEZeb! And @BookerT5x!

Catch them 6/11 in Keyport, NJ as GFW and @WeAreWrestlePro join forces! pic.twitter.com/76QBVPRdiw

— GFW 5/13-5/15 (@GFWWrestling) May 6, 2016

– This week’s edition of WWE Superstars is now available to watch on the WWE Network and it features Damien Sandow’s final singles match in WWE. He faced Darren Young in a match taped Monday night before Raw. It was not, however, his last match inside a WWE ring as he competed in a Battle Royal on Raw to decide the No. 1 contender for Kalisto’s United States Championship.

– A Chyna bio has been added to WWE.com. You can check it out here.

• WWE Locker Room Thinks A Wrestler Has Been “Partying Out Of Control”

WWE has announced the release of multiple Superstars on Friday, including:

• Hornswoggle
• Alex Riley
• Cameron
• Zeb Colter
• El Torito
• Santino Marella
• Wade Barrett
• Damien Sandow

As per WWE.com, “WWE wishes them the best in all of their future endeavors.”

We’ll update this post if there are any more cuts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HTeLVTJd7M

– For some unknown reason, WWE just re-uploaded a 15-second clip of Vince McMahon explaining what’s missing from Cesaro’s act and why he hasn’t gotten over to the degree that may have hoped.

Cesaro has been out since undergoing shoulder surgery back in November and is scheduled to return to action during next month’s ‘WrestleMania Revenge’ European tour.

– Zeb Colter is taking credit for being the creator of “Wrestlers Court” – a tradition in the business where wrestlers who break protocol are put ‘on trial’ by their peers.

FOR THE UNINFORMED: YES I WAS THE CREATOR OF "WRESTLERS COURT" MADE FAMOUS BY THE UNDERTAKER & @JCLayfield IN @WWE @steveaustinBSR

— ??. ????? (@DirtyDMantell) March 23, 2016

– Chris Jericho took an unprovoked shot at Shinsuke Nakamura on Wednesday afternoon. After Nakamura tweeted a link to a Jushin Liger mask that is available for sale on a Japanese shopping website, Jericho told Nakamura that he means nothing in Jericho’s world.

Shinsuke Nakamura makes his NXT debut next Friday night against Sami Zayn at NXT Takeover: Dallas.

@IAmJericho thanks

— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) March 23, 2016

Unfortunately for Zeb Colter fans, the WWE creative team is reportedly no longer working on his character. On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that WWE currently has no more plans for Colter on TV. We reported back in December that WWE did not view Colter and Alberto Del Rio’s pairing as a long-term story. WWE reportedly planned since November to have Del Rio appear without Colter as his manager in 2016.

Colter’s role in WWE has been limited by the same health issues that forced him off TV in 2014 when he was Jack Swagger’s manager. Meltzer didn’t report on what his exact health issues were, but that he reportedly was having trouble moving around and did legitimately have surgery. The storyline explanation for his absence was that he was injured at the hands of Rusev, then he returned in 2015 for a brief run as Alberto Del Rio’s manager.

Related: WWE Responds To Right-Wing Criticism Over Zeb Colter Character

With no more WWE TV commitments, Colter has said he plans to publish a “Zebcast” blog in the near future. Colter is portrayed by former wrestler, manager and booker Dutch Mantel.

GOOD MORNING @WWE UNIVERSE. STARTING A BLOG IN A FEW WEEKS CALLED "ZEBCAST". STAY TUNED. RT's REQUESTED. @steveaustinBSR

— ??. ????? (@DirtyDMantell) December 21, 2015

As we reported last week, WWE recently began working on creative plans to split up Alberto Del Rio and Zeb Colter, as they wanted Del Rio on his own for the beginning of the new year.

As seen on Monday’s RAW, WWE officially began the storyline when Del Rio tripped over Colter’s scooter during a segment with Jack Swagger. This led to Del Rio scolding Colter backstage and declaring he “doesn’t need” him anymore. The segment ended with Colter driving off in his scooter while Del Rio threw steel chairs at him.

Del Rio and Swagger will go one-on-one in a Chairs Match for the WWE United States Championship at this Sunday’s WWE TLC pay-per-view. There is currently no word on Colter’s involvement in the match or what he will be doing going forward if he and Del Rio are officially done after tonight’s show.

• Ronda Rousey FiNALLY Opens Up About KO Loss To Holly Holm In New Interview!

Right now the partnership between Alberto Del Rio and Zeb Colter is not being looked at within WWE as a long-term storyline.

According to the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there is already talk in WWE regarding what they plan to do with Del Rio after he is broken apart from Colter.

It’s worth noting that nothing is definitive given the fact that WWE changes their minds on things like this on a daily basis, however as things stand right now, the company does have a 2016 direction in mind for Del Rio that does not include Colter.

• Clip: Rousey Spotted This Week w/ UFC Star Boyfriend; How Does Her Face Look?

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– On Monday’s post-Survivor Series edition of WWE RAW in Nashville, Tennessee, a match between the current and former Zeb Colter guys was announced as WWE United States Champion Alberto Del Rio will go one-on-one with Jack Swagger in a non-title match. Featuring a Thanksgiving theme this week, WWE SmackDown will be taped on Tuesday evening at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

– The following matches were taped on Monday night at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee prior to RAW for this week’s edition of WWE Superstars.

* R-Truth def. Adam Rose in one-on-one competition in the first of two matches taped for this week’s show.

* The Miz def. Zack Ryder in the main event of this week’s WWE Superstars taping. The crowd in Nashville was actually pretty hot for this match, which The Miz ended up winning to finish up the taping.

• Video: Emotional Footage Of Ronda Rousey’s Family Watching Her Get KO’d

WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently updated his official blog at JRsBarBQ.com with his thoughts on Monday’s RAW and more. Below are some of the highlights.

On Monday’s RAW:

“WWE was without a great deal of star power Monday night but had one of their better shows IMO nonetheless. It seems that talents who are still present realize that the door is open for them to step up and take ownership of the fleeting albeit lucrative top spots in WWE and become permanent residents of the main event neighborhood of the Promised Land.”

On Alberto Del Rio possibly turning on Zeb Colter:

“I see ADR turning on the villain Zeb Colter some time soon and becoming the Hispanic fan favorite that WWE desperately needs. It’s unfortunate that Alberto wasn’t able to keep his commitments to Mexico’s AAA after rejoining WWE. That’s never a good situation. No one wins in this particular situation.”

On changes to Bray Wyatt’s character:

“I’m confused about what Bray Wyatt is becoming with the purported, super natural powers, etc and need that story explained better to me. Still think that Wyatt will one day be a huge fan favorite. Not today, but after a good, hot bad guy run. Has Wyatt inherited Taker’s eerie demeanor?”

• Video: UFC Star Miesha Tate Chokes Out 4 Guys Who Crashed Her MMA Gym!

Tonight’s post-Hell In A Cell edition of WWE RAW takes place live from the Valley View Casino in San Diego, California.

John Cena is not advertised for the show tonight, however the new WWE United States Champion Alberto Del Rio, along with Zeb Colter, are expected to be there.

As noted earlier today, WWE broadcast member Rich Brennan alluded to the fact that Del Rio and Colter would be at tonight’s show, and according to WWE’s RAW Five Point Preview, we may find out what brought Del Rio back to WWE.

Other talent advertised for RAW tonight include Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, The New Day, Kevin Owens, Sheamus, Bray Wyatt and The Dudley Boyz.

While no matches have been advertised for tonight, WWE is hyping the following “five points” in their official RAW preview.

* What does Wyatt want with The Undertaker?

* What brought Del Rio back to WWE?

* Who‘s next to spin into contention in the Divas Revolution?

* What will happen to WWE without the Director of Operations?

* Is Roman ready to reign?

Make sure to join us here at SEScoops.com later this evening for live RAW results coverage.

• Former UFC Star & Kimbo Slice Conqueror Signs To Become Official WWE Striking Coach

– In the following video from last night’s Hell In A Cell event, Rich Brennan fails to get comments from the new WWE United States Champion Alberto Del Rio, and his advocate, Zeb Colter. While Del Rio and Colter did not appear in the video below, Brennan does tease an appearance by both on tonight’s edition of WWE RAW.

– In addition to the celebrities at Hell In A Cell that we reported about last night, Dennis “Mr. Belding” Haskins and The Soska Twins were also at the show. Below is a photo.

We love the Miz!! He'd look so good in a slasher, no? @mikethemiz #FinalBoy pic.twitter.com/Ss6YIC2kQP

— The Soska Sisters (@twisted_twins) October 26, 2015

https://instagram.com/p/9RoMiRC_Xa/

• Former UFC Star & Kimbo Slice Conqueror Signs To Become Official WWE Striking Coach

As seen at WWE Hell In A Cell pay-per-view on Sunday night, Alberto Del Rio made his return during the show.

Del Rio was introduced by Zeb Colter during the show and went on to defeat John Cena in his “U.S. Open Challenge” to become the new WWE United States Champion.

Del Rio, who is now affiliated with Colter in the current storylines, tweeted the following after his return last night:

I'm grateful for a 2nd chance to come back to @WWE #hellinacell and I'm happy to be performing again

— Alberto El Patron (@PrideOfMexico) October 26, 2015

• Former UFC Star & Kimbo Slice Conqueror Signs To Become Official WWE Striking Coach

To the surprise of the WWE Universe, Alberto Del Rio returned after being introduced by the returning Zeb Colter during Sunday night’s WWE Hell In A Cell pay-per-view at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

WWE U.S. Champion John Cena came out to kick off the pay-per-view with his “U.S. Open Challenge” and welcomed any challenger to come out. Zeb Colter came out on a motor scooter and introduced Alberto Del Rio, who went on to challenge Cena for his title.

Del Rio ended up blasting Cena with a super kick after a back-and-forth match to pick up the 1-2-3 and the WWE United States Championship.

• Former UFC Star & Kimbo Slice Conqueror Signs To Become Official WWE Striking Coach

– Although he hasn’t been a character on television in what seems like forever, Zeb Colter is still under contract to WWE. Colter is currently listed as “out of action” with the reason listed being that he is recovering from surgery.

– Former TNA star James Storm has been in talks with WWE as of late regarding a possible role as a player/coach kind of figure in NXT. If he were to get the job, he would be working matches as a talent in the company, but would also work to help some of WWE’s up-and-coming developmental talent.

– WWE has inked a new deal with Pez. The candy company is scheduled to make brand new Pez dispensers using the likeness of such WWE stars as John Cena, The Rock and The Undertaker.

• Ronda Rousey Beefing With Justin Bieber Over Incident Between Bieber & Rousey’s Sister!

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– As noted, John Cena will be taking time off after Hell In A Cell this month and isn’t expected back until late December. Madison Square Garden has confirmed that Cena will be at their December 26th live event, as will Kevin Owens, Dean Ambrose, Ryback, Sheamus and Rusev.

– Triple H will be hosting a Twitter Q&A this Wednesday, October 7th to promote the NXT Takeover: Respect special. Fans can submit their questions to @TripleH using the hashtag “#NXTTakeover”.

– Zeb Colter took to Twitter today to post the following comments on Presidential candidate and WWE Hall Of Famer Donald Trump.

IN FAIRNESS TO ALL, @realDonaldTrump SEEMINGLY HAS TAKEN THE IMMIGRATION MESSAGE FROM #WeThePeople. SHOULDN'T I GET A ROYALTY? @WWE

— ??. ????? (@DirtyDMantell) October 6, 2015

• CM Punk INJURED While Training For UFC Debut — How Long Will He Be Out?!

WWE Superstar Jack Swagger recently spoke with the folks at Ring Rust Radio about his relationship with Jim Ross and Zeb Colter, working both sides of the “We The People” gimmick as a heel and babyface, this year’s WrestleMania season and more.

Below are highlights from the interview:

On WrestleMania season and where he sees his character going: “It’s a fun time of year but it’s also a stressful time of year. WWE really likes to keep its fans on the edge of their seats and on their toes. They are always trying to keep that big swerve in their pocket for as long as possible. Right now I am unattached, so going forward I’m going to do whatever I can behind the scenes and in the ring to secure a match in WrestleMania and make it a good spot.”

On if he feels being a good worker ever feel typecasts him as a performer or limits his potential to allow fans to see more of hi personality: “Yeah, it’s a double edged sword. It does only give me so many options. I think it’s on the Superstars in this day and age to get your personality out there. We have so many tools now that we didn’t have even when I first started six years ago. Social media is such a powerful media that is a Superstar is type casted or only getting so many opportunities you can go on social media to promote yourself and your brand and give fans a chance to see that other side of your personality. That will only help your in ring performance entertainment wise though. As far as me, after you have been doing it as long as I have you constantly have to stay hungry and growing and reinvent yourself as an artist. Otherwise as an artist you will be dying and that’s what I try to keep doing as much as possible.”

On his program with Alberto Del Rio entering WrestleMania 29 and whether WWE struck gold by toeing the line: “Absolutely. It was a very hot topic across the United States. I think the WWE should do more on it along those lines and still stay PG. It made it fun and more relative to our older fans. With the story lines today, it’s very hard to generate natural interest in the WWE universe. You can’t force it down their throats; they are only going to like what they like. Having something that’s already on the tips of their tongues or on their minds, it just makes it that much easier, fun and intense. Any time you can get Glenn Beck crying it’s a good thing.”

On playing both sides of the “We the People” character and whether it was difficult for him to play a villain or was it a more entertaining role: “Growing up in Oklahoma, my High School team was renowned and very good. We would walk into places and they would just boo the hell out of us. So from a young age I got a taste of that and I liked it. The more you boo me the better I’m going to wrestle. You don’t like me? So what. It’s a lot of fun to work like that and wrestle with that mindset. I haven’t been on the other side of the ball or the we the people character. It doesn’t have the same type of fulfillment but it’s different as you can imagine Hear the people actual pop for something good or cheer a victory is nice too. I’m not sure which one I like more right now so maybe I’m going to need a six year face run to make sure.”

On working with Zeb Colter and lessons he’s learned: “Zeb Colter is unbelievable, he is priceless.I can’t tell you how many things he has helped me, other Superstars, the creative team, and even Vince with. An all-around good person and his experience is almost incomparable in this day and age in sport entertainment. Riding with him he has made me a better driver because he complains all the time. You almost get into one car accident and he never lets you forget it. That aside, with wrestling, it’s a different generation and mentality that still works. You have to take the match like that, work like that, and have that mentality. I think the main thing with him is he wants physicality. He has worked with me on a lot of things like my size and being more physical and when to do something in a certain spot. The best thing about him being out there is you never know what he is going to say ringside. There has been so many times he has said something and made me pop and I laughed right in the middle of the ring. That may be bad for some matches that’s always a good thing with me.”

On his Oklahoma days and how his relationship with Jim Ross: “I started playing football in 2001, the year after the won the National championship. I actually met Jerry Briscoe 2004 when I was half way through and he introduced me to Jim. Whenever they were in town we would get together and talk college wrestling or wrestling in general. We would talk football with Jim and have dinner. Of course they told me about it, I’m a big guy and good looking. They always said finish your degree finish college and if you want to give this a shot we will be here waiting. The last semester of college I interviewed for so many finance firms and security exchanges. There were so many jobs there but the opportunity just wasn’t as good as what the WWE was presenting. You should have seen the look on my parents faces when I told them that I was going to do it but it ended out working out pretty well. I graduated in May 2006 and by July of 2006 I was signed and moved to Deep South Wrestling.”

On the difficulty of creating submission holds or even working in different holds into matches: “It is one of the processes of being a Superstar, to always be evolving. It’s hard because everything has been done and seen before. To find something that works you can only find through trying something out there in the ring. You have to try it out there, see how it works, and see what it looks like. It is very difficult but it is very possible. Another thing too with so many guys on the roster and in NXT there are only so many moves you can do without someone else doing them. That is rule number one to me; don’t do anything else that someone else is doing. You want to be yourself and stand out. To find a move that works, stands out, and separates you from everyone else, it is hard but you can do it.”

Check out the complete interview at BlogTalkRadio.com.

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– WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels has a new autobiography coming out on February 10th called “Wrestling For My Life.” HBK will be doing several book signings, including in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and other states. For more information, visit his official Facebook page.

– Zeb Colter, who has been off of WWE television dealing with an injury, recently posted the following update on his status on social media.

HELLO… @WWE UNIVERSE. HAPPY MLK DAY. MY RECOVERY IS DOING WELL. HOPE TO BE BACK ON THE FIELD SOON. THANKS FOR ALL THE MSGS. @JCLayfield

— ??. ????? (@DirtyDMantell) January 19, 2015

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