
Santino Marella Returns to WWE Programming at NXT Vengeance Day
WWE and TNA Wrestling have solidified a multi-year partnership, enabling talent exchanges between “WWE NXT” and TNA. This collaboration was highlighted during “NXT” Vengeance Day, where authority figures from both organizations made appearances.
During a backstage segment promoting the upcoming “NXT” Roadblock special, “NXT” General Manager Ava was greeted by Arianna Grace, the liaison between “NXT” and TNA. Grace introduced her father, Santino Marella, TNA’s Director of Authority, marking Marella’s return to WWE programming.
Marella acknowledged Ava’s evolution since his previous WWE tenure, noting her growth into a leadership role. The two agreed to discuss strategies to enhance the WWE-TNA partnership, aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes.
Marella’s WWE career spans 11 years, beginning with Ohio Valley Wrestling, WWE’s former developmental territory. He made a memorable main roster debut in 2007 by capturing the Intercontinental Championship with assistance from Bobby Lashley. After departing in 2016, Marella made a brief return during the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble as his alter ego, “Santina.”
Additionally, “NXT” Vengeance Day featured the return of former TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace, now officially part of the WWE roster.