Santino Marella is making his return to a WWE ring soon and is hoping to win an NXT Championship in the process.
Making his shock appearance on the July 22 edition of NXT, the TNA Director of Authority interrupted North American Champion Ethan Page and issued the challenge for a title match the following week.
Page first threw down the North American Championship before unveiling a custom Canadian version to represent his heritage, much to the disgust of the fans in attendance in Houston. Marella then made his way to the ring and popped the crowd by mispronouncing Page’s name. Following the war of words and the title match being announced for the July 29 episode, Page attempted to attack Marella, but fled after the former Intercontinental Champion teased a Cobra attack.
If Marella wins the title, he will be the first non-contracted WWE star to hold one of the company’s championships.
When Did Santino Marella Last Compete In WWE?
Marella’s most recent match for WWE was back in 2020 when he made a cameo appearance in the Women’s Royal Rumble match under his alter ego of Santina. Prior to that, Marella teamed with Emma to defeat Fandango and Layla on a 2014 WWE house show.
Joining TNA as the Director of Authority in 2024, Marella has competed sporadically for the promotion along with multiple independent appearances. His daughter Arianna Grace is currently signed to NXT, and has previously teamed with Marella. Additionally, the former Intercontinental Champion recently teamed with NXT star Lola Vice as part of a AAA appearance.
Featured image: TNA
