Discuss here.

Man, 1981-1982 Dutch Mantell is one awesome pro wrestler. During that time he shows himself to be one of the all time great Memphis style brawlers but also has matches that showcase his mat skills. He is a babyface for most of this time but has my favorite US feud of all time against babyface Jerry Lawler. His work is interesting during that feud because it's basically a babyface vs babyface feud where both babyfaces hate each other's guts. To express this he allows Lawler to gain sympathy and on a number of occasions outright cheats but he's never cowardly about it and he's always made to look like Lawler's equal.

 

Outside of that period he has some other great Memphis performances. I dig his more obviously heel style in Lawler's AWA title defense against him and I thought he looked good leading younger wrestlers like Jeff Jarrett along during the last chunk of the decade.

 

Does he have any notable stuff from Puerto Rico that I should check out?

Just saw the Lawler series from 82 and he looks great in it. His timing and brawling are as good as Lawler's. If that series was representative of what he was able to do consistently I could definitely see him making my list. Is there much else of him available?

I was really impressed with his performances against Lawler. How much Mantell is there available? Where would you guys rank him?

In terms of being very hairy, there is no second.

 

Wasn't that impressed with anything from the Memphis stuff so far, but there's more to see. General impression is that he probably won't make it.

He makes it just for his 1981-1982 and 1985-1986 Memphis all time great matches. But that list is short but I think that has to do w lack of Memphis being preserved.

Add his tag work in Mid South, Tim. Not at the height of his best Memphis work but good enough to know he wassstill a good wrestler.

In terms of being very hairy, there is no second.

 

Never presume -- Miquel Perez Jr and the Little Prince would give him a contest.

He's in a tag match with Tom Pritchard vs The Fantastics that was uploaded to nwaclassics.com that he was great in. These are the type of performances that can help flesh out his case to make the top 100.

Don't judge a book by its cover. One of the most solid worker I've seen, despite his super sleazy look. And a fantastic promo. His work as a color guy in SMW may be my favourite ever, adding a lot to that little promotion's 80's like squash matches and redneck angles. He would definitely find his way in my top 100.