Santino Marella is the newest addition to the IMPACT roster!
Making the surprise debut at the Hard To Kill pay-per-view on January 13th, Marella would interrupt the celebrations of Moose, who won the IMPACT Digital Media Championship from Joe Hendry with the use of a low blow.
Former Intercontinental Champion Santino Marella debuts For IMPACT Wrestling
The Milan Miracle introduced himself as the new Director of Authority, complete with badge and DOA on his uniform. The former Tag Team Champion stated how he hates cheaters, then announced that the match would be restarted. Hendry won the restarted match to retain the title.
In an update on their Instagram page, IMPACT Wrestling have announced that Marella has signed with the promotion.
Santino Marella was a part of WWE from 2007 until 2016. Most famously, Marella would be picked out of the crowd to challenge Umaga in a no-disqualification match at a WWE Raw taping in Milan, Italy with the Intercontinental Championship on the line.
Following interference from Bobby Lashley, the unknown audience member would pin The Samoan Bulldozer in a shocking upset to capture the first of 2 Intercontinental Title reigns.
Marella would be mainly used in a comedy role throughout his time in WWE, also continuing to win championships by adding a United States title and Tag Team Title reign to his accolades. In what is a record no Superstar wants to hold, the master of the cobra still holds the record for the shortest ever time in a Royal Rumble, lasting just 1 second in the match.
Following the release from WWE, the former United States Champion has made sporadic appearances for the company. Marella would reprise his infamous Santina character at the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble, choosing to eliminate himself rather than face off against Beth Phoenix.
Also at the Hard to Kill event, Mickie James would challenge Jordynne Grace for the Knockouts Championship, where James would have to retire if she lost the title match.
Santino Marella was not the only surprise debut to take place at Hard To Kill. The show would see a star formerly signed with AEW come back home.