Dutch Mantell is questioning why WWE allowed social-media personalities backstage after Penta was accidentally shown without his mask during N3on’s live stream at Fanatics Fest NYC.
Penta was briefly caught unmasked as N3on and his cameraperson walked through the venue. The streamer later explained that Penta had been told he could remove his mask in the area, while N3on had been told he was allowed to broadcast there.
Speaking with James Romero, Mantell questioned what WWE gains by giving streamers access to backstage areas where wrestlers may not expect cameras.
“I don’t know why. What’s WWE’s reasoning in even allowing them backstage? Are they making any money on it or what?”
Romero suggested WWE is trying to reach younger fans by bringing in online personalities who are popular with teenagers.
“I think they’re trying to appeal to the kids. Kids these days don’t really watch long-form content anywhere near as much, and they damn sure don’t watch cable for the most part.”
Romero said WWE appears to believe streamers can help the company reach that younger audience.
“They’re trying to appeal to a younger demographic by inviting all these people who appeal to teenagers.”
Mantell then asked whether the unmasked footage actually appeared during the live stream. Romero confirmed that it did, although Penta was only visible for a few moments. Romero placed the blame on WWE instead of N3on, arguing that the streamer was simply using the access he had been given.
“That will kind of teach WWE for letting random streamers backstage, because it’s not the streamer’s fault. He was invited there.”
Romero said WWE should have either warned the wrestlers that cameras were present or prevented live streaming in the area.
“It’s WWE’s fault for inviting him there and not telling the wrestlers to be on their guard.”
Mantell agreed and said that type of backstage access would never have been allowed during his time in the wrestling business.
“Back in the day, that wouldn’t have flown at all. This is all TKO’s idea, I’m sure.”
N3on later apologized directly to Penta and called the incident a misunderstanding. He said he never intended to disrespect the WWE star.
“They told him that he could take the mask off in that area, and they told me I could stream in that area. It just clashed, and s**t happened.”
N3on deleted the footage after Penta confronted him, but viewers had already saved the moment and spread it across social media. Mantell and Romero believe the bigger issue is WWE allowing live cameras into backstage areas without making sure everyone knows they are being filmed. The footage may have only lasted a few seconds, but once it went live, there was no way to completely take it back.
Do you think WWE should stop allowing streamers backstage after what happened with Penta? Leave your feedback in the comments.
