Santino Marella

Santino Marella, born on March 14, 1974, is a Canadian professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist, renowned for his engaging persona in the wrestling world. He is best recognized for his eleven-year tenure with WWE, where he captivated audiences with his humorous character, Santino Marella, an Italian stereotype that often found himself in comedic situations and storylines.

Carelli made a memorable debut in WWE during a live episode of Raw in Milan, Italy, where he shocked fans by defeating the Intercontinental Champion Umaga, claiming the title in his very first match. Over the years, he added to his accolades by winning the Intercontinental title once more, the United States Championship, and the WWE Tag Team Championship. His character also took a unique twist when he portrayed Santina Marella, his twin sister, further showcasing his versatility as a performer.

After parting ways with WWE in 2016, Carelli established the Battle Arts Academy in Mississauga, Ontario, where he serves as both founder and instructor, nurturing the next generation of martial artists and wrestlers. He also took on a role in Impact Wrestling, competing under his real name, and made sporadic appearances on the independent circuit, as well as occasional WWE appearances.

In 2023, Carelli returned to Impact Wrestling under the TNA banner, reviving his Santino Marella character. With the partnership between WWE and TNA in 2025, he made a comeback to WWE on its NXT brand. Throughout his career, Marella has been celebrated for his comedic talent, earning accolades such as Best Gimmick from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter in both 2007 and 2008, and even being crowned 'Miss WrestleMania' at WrestleMania XXV.