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Dutch Mantell Version 1.0

Dutch Mantell Version 1.0
By: Karl Stern

Dutch Mantell was a well known deep south wrestler during the 1970's and 1980's. He spent most of his career in Memphis but occasionally worked lengthy stints in Alabama and Jim Crockett Promotions as well. Presently Dutch Mantell is a booker in TNA. However, this is Dutch Mantell Version 2.0.

The original Dutch Mantell was born Alfred Albert Joe de re la Gardier in 1881. Mantel the first originally started out as a boxer in Australia while working his way toward America. He was trained by Dan McCloud, a famous wrestler of the era.

Mantell first arrived in America in 1900 and joined the U.S. Navy two years later. After leaving the Navy in 1906 he began touring the east coast as a light weight wrestler (around 135 pounds).

From 1913 to 1915 (I swear I am not making this stuff up), Mantell was a member of the Keystone Cops~! during the Hollywood silent film era. While working as an actor, Mantell learned various techniques he would later use when he returned to pro wrestling as one of it's first real "heel" characters. He would use various antics to incite the crowd to boo him.

Mantell worked the carnivals through the end of his career and also got into animal training. He stopped wrestling in 1935 after having his teeth knocked out during a match. Needless to say the actor, wrestler, animal trainer lead a colorful life. Original recipe Dutch Mantell finally settled on Amarillo, TX as his home and was a regular on the radio until his death in 1941 from cancer.

In 1973 Wayne Cowen debuted in professional wrestling and took his name from the colorful journeyman animal trainer, Keystone Cop, and wrestler Dutch Mantell.

Be sure to check out my latest Karl Stern Audio Show where I talk about the history of Memphis wrestling in the 1980's and be sure to visit my website KarlStern.com. {plug}

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