As reported through Ringsidenews.com, PWInsider has reported that WWE Legend, Santino Marella, will be in Houston for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, but whether he’s going to take part in the event or not is unknown at this time.
Marella’s talents opens up several avenues for McMahon and the WWE to take advantage of, nostalgia being the first.
Banking on nostalgia
Vince McMahon has made a career of late by teasing and using retired talent to help draw in fans’ interest and money. A perfect example of this are the Saudi Arabi events that are more nostalgia based and not really considered canon.
Before using nostalgia, McMahon relied on quality in-ring performances and surprises to get our attention, and this week’s Royal Rumble (January 26) could have a bit of both with the rumors of Santino Marella possibly taking part in the Royal Rumble match.
This isn’t anything new as the internet has been a buzz with rumors of Edge’s return, as well as others. But unlike Edge, this one seems likely to happen. The only question is which Royal Rumble match will Santino take part in?
Maybe both
This isn’t that far-fetched, as it depends on how long he’d be expected to compete and what kind of shape he’s in. It’s safe to say he’d probably be a quick elimination, possibly to put another superstar over or for a brief comedic moment.
Either way, we could see Santino and Santina.
While it’s been a while since we last saw his “sister” Santina, he was asked how she was doing at the Raw Reunion, and that could’ve been intentional to plant the seed for the Royal Rumble.
Competing in drag as Santina, Marella won the coveted title of Miss WrestleMania during WrestleMania 25 at the 25 Diva Battle Royal with 70,000 fans looking on. A pretty cool fact is WrestleMania 25, like this year’s Royal Rumble, took place in Houston, Texas.
The WWE has made a point to be progressive, and having him compete as both characters or as Santina would fit along those lines. It’d give the announcers the chance to mention the change in the NXT Women’s Championship to the NXT Championship (the same name as the men’s), and further drive home how they’re attempting to promote gender equality in the ring.
While the WWE has taken steps in the right direction, there is still plenty of work to do.
Nostalgia can be a good thing
Having Santino Marella appear in the Royal Rumble will scratch the nostalgia itch for many, but will it be enough?.
We all love to look back at previous things we’ve witnessed with fondness and long for those days to return. While it may not be possible for many considering age or injuries, it’s still fun to see them, even if briefly.
Who knows, these moments could be the highlight of the Royal Rumble.
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