A former champion in WWE has recalled a very interesting pitch for a Royal Rumble cameo.
February 1st will see the return of the iconic Royal Rumble event for the 38th time. One of the most anticipated shows on the WWE calendar, many look forward to the Rumble matches as there is a high chance of returns, debuts and cameos from the past.
As there have been nearly 50 Royal Rumble matches in WWE, it can be hard to make first-time-ever moments. However, according to a former Intercontinental Champion, history could still be made.
Santino Marella has an interesting relationship with the Royal Rumble match. Although he was the runner-up in the 2011 match, he also still has the record for being eliminated the quickest. While Marella is currently the Director of Authority for TNA, his daughter Arianna Grace competes in NXT. Speaking on the No Name Wrestling Podcast, Marella recalled his pitch to have himself and his daughter in the same Rumble match:
“So my daughter, she had a little shoulder surgery that…she’s back in the ring from it, but she hasn’t re-debuted yet. So I was pitching…I don’t think it’s ever been done, father/daughter in the same Rumble. So it [would] be really big for her to return to the programming and, you know, I’m down to show and just, yeah, just get that experience. Royal Rumble’s my favorite PPV of the year.”
Appearing as Santina, Marella made a brief appearance in the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble match but quickly exited after being confronted by Beth Phoenix.
WWE Royal Rumble Odds
Unlike the past few years, the 2025 Royal Rumble matches are much less predictable with multiple stars all having a viable case to win each of the respective matches. Towards the end of 2024, new odds on favourites emerged for the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble.
In other news, a former WWE star is now a free agent.
Additionally, an upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown will air for free in the UK.
H/t to Wrestling Inc.