UPDATE: As noted earlier here on the website, Santino
Marella revealed at the WWE house show in Toronto tonight that his in-ring
career has come to an end. Marella told the live crowd that he has suffered his
third neck injury and that has brought an end to the active wrestling portion of
his career. He also acknowledged his Canadian roots and said he never had the
chance to be introduced from Canada, since his character is billed from
Italy.
Marella debuted on WWE television on April 16, 2007 by defeating Umaga for
the Intercontinental Title. During his run with the company he won the IC title
a second time, after which he began an unsuccessful quest to top the Honky-Tonk
Man’s record-breaking reign, as well as the Tag Team Titles with Vladimir Kozlov
and the US Title. He was also named Miss WrestleMania, competing as Santina
Marella at WrestleMania XXV. He lost that “title” to Vickie Guerrero but won it
back a month later by beating Vickie and Chavo Guerrero in a handicap hog pen
match.
During an interview last week with Newsday.com, Marella said: “I
realize I’m one of the older guys in the locker room, and I’m 5-foot-10. These
young bucks are 27 years old and 250 pounds. That way I’d be able to stay on the
program and entertain people and be an even bigger part of the show . . . I’m
definitely winding down.”
ORIGINAL: There are reports that Santino Marella cut a
promo and announced his retirement from in-ring competition at tonight’s WWE
live event in Toronto. According to a fan report, Marella told the live crowd
that he recently suffered his third neck injury.
During an interview last week with Newsday.com, Marella said: “I
realize I’m one of the older guys in the locker room, and I’m 5-foot-10. These
young bucks are 27 years old and 250 pounds. That way I’d be able to stay on the
program and entertain people and be an even bigger part of the show . . . I’m
definitely winding down.”
