It’s Official! Fan-Favorite Star Set For WWE In-Ring Return After 11 Years

Written by Rosanne Raphael • Published Jul 22, 2025 23:13 EDT
It's Official! Fan-Favorite Star Set For WWE In-Ring Return After 11 Years

In a rare turn of events, a fan-favorite star is confirmed to return to WWE for the first time in almost a decade.

Ethan Page made a mockery of the NXT North American Championship. He displayed a new title belt showcasing his loyalty to his home country, Canada. He was interrupted by TNA’s Director of Authority and former WWE Star Santino Marella, who called out his disrespect as he happens to be a fellow Canadian despite his Italian ancestry. The NXT Champion was ready to battle, only to turn around and barely dodge an attack by ‘the cobra‘.

Page won the title from Ricky Saints in April this year.

Santino Marella Will Compete In His First WWE Match In Nearly A Decade

After their confrontation on NXT, it was confirmed that Santino Marella will challenge Ethan Page for the North American Championship next week. This marks Marella’s first match in a WWE ring for the first time in 11 years, discrediting his participation in the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble match under the Santina Marella persona.

The 51-year-old competed in a Battle Royal on RAW on June 16, 2014, and his last official match was at a WWE Live Event 12 days later.

In his authoritative role, Santino Marella has made multiple appearances on NXT and even teamed up with his daughter, Arianna Grace, for mixed tag matches on TNA.