Santino Marella celebrates with the United States title in a house show | Image Credits : IMAGO / Photo News
Sportshadow got the opportunity to interact with former two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion and current TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella as a part of its Wrestleshadow podcast series.
In Part 4 of the interview, the Milan Miracle shares his thoughts on the partnership between TNA and NXT, close calls in the 2011 Royal Rumble and 2012 Elimination Chamber, personal long term injuries, being roasted by The Rock, jersey changing match with Chavo Guerrero in New York, and the current TNA roster.
Here are the edited excerpts for clarity.
"For many homegrown NXT athletes who didn't come from the indies, they don't have experience in any other wrestling companies. It’s healthy for them to come to TNA and see a totally different system and atmosphere."
"It’s an excellent learning process. They are wrestling the TNA roster, which isn't developmental; our people are developed and generally have much more experience."
"For TNA, the connection to WWE is priceless. It probably helped us get our TV deal. Since it's the number one brand in wrestling by far, that connection makes us seem much more legitimate."
"Now they’ve got Joe Hendry and Jordynne Grace there, and I’m sure Leon Slater will be there one day. It’s good for our guys to showcase their ability and then go there and make the big money."
"Tommy Dreamer is a big part of our creative process. Having worked for WWE for many years, he’s a perfect liaison between the two companies."
"I'm not there for the creative process, but WWE is the big brother in this situation. But the relationship has been awesome. It's really actually one of the best examples of a win-win that I've ever seen."
"Yeah, everybody thought he won the Royal Rumble. Everybody thought for a moment, and that's what it’s all about. It's very rare that you can get a real, authentic swerve or trick."
"The fact that we were able to provide a historical moment where everybody believed is the best feeling. You never forget those moments."
"I didn't suggest it. That was written. There is a pre-organized frame and outline. You have a little bit of freedom as long as you stick to the "skeleton" of what needs to be done. That was given to me, and it was my job to execute."
"I believe that Elimination Chamber was a couple of years before my neck surgery. My neck was already starting to get bad, but it was a fun moment. When I listen back now, I hear the audience going crazy."
"At the time, you don't realize how loud they are because you're focused on the match, but looking back, it was pretty awesome."
"Because of the nature of my character, a "miracle moment" can happen at any time. I always thought a miracle would happen randomly out of nowhere, but then my neck just got worse and worse until I had to get surgery."
"A month after my neck surgery, the screws were coming out, so they had to go back in for a second surgery. That was a tough one because scar tissue had already formed."
"I tried to come back for a couple of years, but it wasn't getting strong enough. Since then, I’ve been straightening my neck with exercises and I feel good, but it was a much longer process than I expected."
"I hurt my shoulder in September, but it’s almost back to normal. I also have a bad lower back; the disc at my L4 and L5 is very thin."
"That is an ongoing thing I try to maintain. It’s a priority for me, so I’m always stretching, hydrating, and strengthening to get the most out of it."
"I didn't know exactly what he was going to say, but I knew he was going to call me out. That was really cool; it was an acknowledgment from one funny guy to another. Some might call it "passing the baton.""
"No, I never felt he went over the line. Backstage, he is very respectful and nice. That’s just his character."
"The writers came up with that. It’s a big TV show with many writers, producers, and final drafts. You can contribute an idea, but ultimately, everything has to be approved before it airs."
"He doesn't age; it's crazy. We even rode together from time to time. He is just so funny that a regular conversation with him will have you laughing. I’ve said the only way I’ll come back to tag team in WWE is if I get to team with R-Truth."
"Mustafa Ali is a super hard worker in the ring. Steve Maclin is incredible. Guys like Dolph Ziggler have been in great shape for 20 years. Frankie Kazarian works so hard, both at home and backstage."
"Jordynne Grace was a super hard worker, and the girls we have now—the Elegance brand—put so much effort into their presentation behind the scenes. Lei Ying Lee is the first one in the gym every time. Everyone at that level is hungry to elevate the company."
"I’m very proud of our Knockouts division. It’s amazing. We have tremendous athletes and personalities. It’s a really good mix and they take it seriously."
This is an exclusive interview by Sportshadow. Media outlets using quotes from this article are requested to provide a backlink to this article or the website's homepage alongside embedding the video interview published on Youtube.