Wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell has spoken out in support of Saraya following her recent groping incident in Chicago, revealing that he has experienced similar inappropriate behavior from fans throughout his career.
Speaking on his Story Time with Dutch Mantell podcast, the industry legend disclosed his own experiences with fan misconduct.
\"I myself have been groped... grabbed down here,\" Mantell said. \"It\'s embarrassing.\
Mantell addressed the Chicago incident where a fan slapped Saraya three times at an autograph signing while security failed to intervene. He called the behavior what it is.
\"If the fan smacked her butt, that\'s basically assault,\" Mantell stated. \"The security needed to throw him out... until they understand that, they will continue to do that. I\'m on her side on this.\
Lack of Security in Wrestling
The wrestling veteran pointed to a disparity between entertainment industries, noting that Hollywood provides significantly better protection for talent than wrestling does.
\"The security with the Hollywood people are a lot tighter than what wrestling has,\" he observed.
Warning to Fans Who Cross The Line
Mantell issued a direct message to fans who cross the line.
\"Don\'t touch the talent guys. You\'re there to get the autograph or to talk to them, not to touch them,\" he said. \"Hone yourself to a certain decorum and don\'t touch the talent unless specifically invited.\
Saraya revealed the Chicago incident on her Rulebreakers podcast, noting it was the second time in 2025 that a fan has touched her inappropriately. She is currently a free agent after departing AEW earlier this year.
