58-year-old WWE legend "feared for his safety" on SmackDown, says Dutch Mantell

Wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell recently reviewed last week's WWE Friday Night SmackDown episode. One of the major segments that caught the wrestling world's attention was The Bloodline's attack on Paul Heyman.

The June 28 installment of the Blue Brand show featured a "Bloodline Acknowledgment Ceremony." In the absence of Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa asked Tama Tonga, Jacob Fatu, and Tonga Loa to acknowledge him as their new Head of the Table.

All members of the heel group recognized The Street Champion, but Paul Heyman refused to do so. This led to the rejuvenated Bloodline faction brutally attacking The Wiseman before sending him crashing through the announcer's desk.

Speaking on his Story Time with Dutch Mantell podcast, the former WWE manager praised Paul Heyman for taking such vicious bumps at 58. The veteran also noted that with Roman Reigns absent, Heyman lacked his usual protection, which caused him some concern for his own safety.

"He [Paul Heyman] did a great job leading up to this and when Roman left, his support panel left, his support left. So Roman wasn't really there to protect him and Paul did a great job because as long as Roman was there, he ran that mouth and he'd say anything. But now when Roman left, you could see by Paul's indecision and fearfulness that he feared for his safety," Mantell said. [14:59 - 15:35]

Check out the full episode below:

Former WWE star opens up about Paul Heyman's mentorship

The former RAW Women's Champion Ronda Rousey recently discussed learning a lot from The Wiseman during her time in the company. The Baddest Woman on the Planet left WWE after her last match against Shayna Baszler at SummerSlam 2023.

Rousey bashed Vince McMahon and the company in her memoir following her exit. Even though the 37-year-old female star criticized World Wrestling Entertainment, she appreciated Paul Heyman's support.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Ronda Rousey mentioned that The Wiseman encouraged her creatively and taught her a lot.

"He’s [Paul Heyman] one of the few people who really encouraged me creatively. He showed me I’m so much more than just what my body can do. That’s how so many people see me–as an athlete, as a fighter," she said.