WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart recently made a shocking claim about Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels allegedly being involved in a romantic relationship in the past. The Hitman shared this statement during an appearance on The Johnny I Pro Show in Montreal, sparking a wave of reactions in the wrestling community.
Former WWE manager Dutch Mantel, known for his role as Zeb Colter, weighed in on the allegation during an episode of his podcast, Story Time With Dutch Mantell. Mantel revealed that it was a well-known backstage rumor in the 90s that McMahon and Michaels had a more intimate connection beyond their professional relationship. However, Mantel stopped short of confirming whether Bret Hart’s claims were accurate, stating, “Is it true? I don’t know if it’s true or not. Could it be true? Well, it could be. But is it? I don’t know.”
Mantel further elaborated that the wrestling industry was no stranger to rumors and gossip, and the alleged relationship between McMahon and Michaels wouldn’t have shocked anyone at the time. Despite the speculation, Mantel refrained from definitively confirming the truth behind the claims.
In the same podcast episode, Mantel highlighted how Shawn Michaels defied Vince McMahon’s preference for larger, more muscular wrestlers to become one of the company’s most successful talents. Despite not fitting the traditional mold of a WWE superstar in terms of size, Michaels rose to prominence and is now involved in the creative process for NXT.
Shawn Michaels’ success in WWE serves as a testament to his talent and charisma, showcasing that physical stature is not always a determining factor in achieving greatness in the wrestling industry. Despite initial reservations based on his physique, Michaels proved himself to be a standout performer and continues to leave a lasting impact on the industry.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit Story Time with Dutch Mantell and provide an H/T to Sportskeeda for the transcription. The revelations made by Bret Hart and Dutch Mantel shed light on the complexities and dynamics within the wrestling world, showcasing that truth and rumors often intertwine in this unique and captivating industry.
