WWE Legend Ted DiBiase Names Mantaur as New Generation’s Biggest Flop

One Big Thing

WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase identifies Mantaur as the New Generation Era’s most unsuccessful character during a recent episode of “Everybody’s Got a Pod.”

Key Details

• Mantaur was portrayed by wrestler Mike Halac in 1995
• The character lasted only 7 months before being dropped
• The gimmick featured Halac wearing a bull-like costume and making animal noises

Direct Quote

“I was never impressed, I really wasn’t,” DiBiase said. “I think if you even asked Vince about Mantaur today, he’d say ‘Oops!'”

Why It Matters

• The Mantaur character represents WWE’s creative struggles during the New Generation Era
• This period marked WWE’s difficult transition after Hulk Hogan’s departure
• The failure highlights the challenges of creating family-friendly characters while maintaining adult appeal

By the Numbers

• Mantaur’s WWE run: January-July 1995
• Mike Halac’s final Mantaur appearance: Spring Break 2019
• Halac passed away in 2023 at age 55

The Big Picture

The Mantaur character serves as a prime example of WWE’s creative missteps during the mid-1990s, a period when the company struggled to find its footing between family entertainment and compelling wrestling content.

What’s Next?

What do you think was the most memorable character from WWE’s New Generation Era? Share your thoughts in the comments below.