Santino Marella

Anthony Carelli was born in Mississauga, Ontario, to a family of Italian and Métis descent.{{Cite web|title=WWE superstar thankful for MNO programming|url=https://www.metisnation.org/news/wwe-superstar-thankful-for-mno-programming/|access-date=2021-10-19|website=Métis Nation of Ontario|date=7 August 2014|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019000424/https://www.metisnation.org/news/wwe-superstar-thankful-for-mno-programming/|url-status=live}} He attended St Basil's Catholic Elementary School, and later Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School and Concordia University. Carelli trained in judo at the age of nine and also competed in high school wrestling, winning the Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association (ROPSSAA) Tournament, back-to-back as a junior and a senior.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/02/03/4815772.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121216051749/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/02/03/4815772.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 16, 2012|title=La Vita è Bella for Santino}}

Anthony Carelli started his career on the Ontario independent circuit as Johnny Geo Basco, debuting with a disqualification win over Xhibit in the opening match of a Ring Wars show in Orangeville, Ontario, on August 17, 2002.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2003-08.html|title=Independent Wrestling Results - August 2003|work=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=December 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216191920/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2003-08.html|url-status=live}} In the second half of 2004, Carelli wrestled four matches for Battlarts in Japan, as Johnny Geo Basco.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=2329&bild=1&details=7&liga=577&jahr=2004|title=Carelli's 2004 BattlARTS|work=Wrestling Data|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=December 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216184308/http://wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=2329&bild=1&details=7&liga=577&jahr=2004|url-status=live}} By this time he also competed in mixed martial arts, in which he claimed in 2006 to have a 6–1 record,{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/columns/47032/The-Crystal-Ball-11.1.06:-Interview-With-Boris-Alexiev.htm|title=The Crystal Ball 11.1.06: Interview With Boris Alexiev|work=411Mania|last=Sullivan|first=Steve|date=November 1, 2006|access-date=December 16, 2014}} although only one fight is confirmed.

In 2005, Anthony Carelli (as Johnny Geo Basco) began training at Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), a developmental territory for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). In July, during a storyline where he was supposed to act afraid of The Boogeyman, but instead laughed, Anthony Carelli was shouted at and slapped by Jim Cornette, OVW's head booker and co-owner. This incident led to Cornette being fired as OVW booker by WWE.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/07/08/1123028.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716180711/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/07/08/1123028.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 16, 2012|author =Waldman, J.|title=Jim Cornette released from WWE|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=April 16, 2007|date=July 8, 2005}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/boogeyman.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101113045/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/boogeyman.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 1, 2013|author=Milner, J.|title=The Boogeyman|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=April 16, 2007}}

Under OVW's new booker, Paul Heyman, Anthony Carelli adopted the gimmick of Boris Alexiev, a Russian shootfighter/mixed martial artist.{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/the-crystal-ball-8-16-06-boris-alexiev/|title=The Crystal Ball 8.16.06: Boris Alexiev|work=411mania.com|last=Sullivan|first=Steve|date=August 16, 2006|access-date=February 15, 2016|archive-date=May 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513214309/http://411mania.com/wrestling/the-crystal-ball-8-16-06-boris-alexiev/}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=79908|title=SANTINO MARELLA INJURY UPDATE, TED DIBIASE'S POST WRESTLING CAREER, WWE PRODUCTION UPGRADE|work=Professional Wrestling Insider|last=Scherer|first=Dave|date=August 28, 2013|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=December 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222125623/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=79908|url-status=live}} On October 29, he lost his debut OVW match, teaming with Aaron Stevens against Chet the Jet and Chris Cage.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=2329&bild=1&details=7&liga=129&jahr=2005|title=Carelli's 2005 OVW matches|work=Wrestling Data|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=December 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216185618/http://wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=2329&bild=1&details=7&liga=129&jahr=2005|url-status=live}} Alexiev made his TV debut on April 12, 2006, managed by his "comrade", Mr. Strongko and defeating Mo Sexton.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006/|title=OVW results – 2006|access-date=April 18, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=December 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214153038/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006|url-status=live}} He was booked to dominate opponents with stiff strikes and submission style wrestling.{{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/Superstars/boris_alexiev.htm|title=Boris Alexiev profile|publisher=OVWrestling.com|access-date=April 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205095157/http://ovwrestling.com/Superstars/boris_alexiev.htm|archive-date=February 5, 2007}} He had a 10-second win over a wrestler named Dewey. He signed a developmental contract with WWE on August 11, 2006,{{cite web|url=http://www.thefightnetwork.com/news_detail.php?nid=2098|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222140828/http://www.thefightnetwork.com/news_detail.php?nid=2098|archive-date=December 22, 2007|author=Pollock, J.|title=Friday Update|publisher=The Fight Network|access-date=April 16, 2007|date=August 11, 2006}} and continued training in OVW.

On January 24, 2007, Alexiev won the OVW Television Championship from Mike Kruel, who was defending in place of champion Eddie Kraven. He lost it back to Kruel on February 7, and regained it from him on March 14. Three days later, he dropped it to Shawn Spears. He was called up to the WWE roster a month later.

{{main|Glamarella}}

Anthony Carelli debuted as Santino Marella (a homage to WWE Hall of Famer Robert "Gorilla Monsoon" Marella){{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/06/27/6006136.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310031036/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/06/27/6006136.html|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=A fresh start for Santino Marella|website=canoe.com|access-date=10 January 2020}} on the April 16, 2007 episode of Raw from Milan, Italy. He was presented as a fan that Vince McMahon selected as an opponent for Umaga. The unknown Marella scored a surprising upset, and won the WWE Intercontinental Championship with an assist from Bobby Lashley. The next day, WWE.com posted a profile on Marella, saying he was an Italian national who moved to Canada as a child and returned to his native country a few times each year to visit family. The profile claimed that he moved to the U.S. to pursue a wrestling career with WWE.{{cite news|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/santinomarella|title=Santino Marella|access-date=November 11, 2011|newspaper=WWE|archive-date=February 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226150541/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/santinomarella|url-status=live}} Shortly after winning the Intercontinental title, Marella feuded with Chris Masters, narrowly retaining the title in his first defenses.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070507.html|title=Raw results – May 7, 2007|access-date=January 4, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=November 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118150945/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070507.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070514.html|title=Raw results – May 14, 2007|access-date=January 4, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=December 25, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225190511/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070514.html|url-status=live}} On July 2, he dropped the title to Umaga,{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070702.html|title=Raw results – July 2, 2007|access-date=January 4, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=April 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404165812/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070702.html|url-status=live}} after defeating him on June 24, at Vengeance: Night of Champions, by disqualification.

File:Santinomarellamaria.jpg girlfriend Maria in September 2007]]

Marella then began a gradual heel turn and became increasingly jealous of his girlfriend, Maria. Over several weeks, they appeared together in a series of segments on Raw, including two "game show" skits, hosted by General Manager William Regal, which resulted in retired wrestler Ron Simmons winning a date with Maria, to Santino's dismay.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070806.html|title=Raw results – August 6, 2007|access-date=January 4, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=December 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220045733/http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070806.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070813.html|title=Raw results – August 13, 2007|access-date=January 4, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=April 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404003117/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070813.html|url-status=live}} Marella began a publicity campaign against the WWE Films production, The Condemned, as its DVD release neared.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070924.html|title=Raw results – October 8, 2007|access-date=January 20, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=January 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112033237/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070924.html|url-status=live}} He was eventually confronted by the film's star, Steve Austin, who argued the film's merits before delivering a Stone Cold Stunner to Marella and hosing him and Maria with beer.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/071105.html|title=Raw results – November 5, 2007|access-date=January 4, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=April 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420080735/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/071105.html|url-status=live}} During the Austin angle, Marella repeatedly mocked him and his catchphrases in humorously broken English, starting a new comedic trend in his gimmick. After a short angle with Jerry Lawler,{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/071112.html|title=Raw results – November 12, 2007|access-date=January 4, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=January 15, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115224213/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/071112.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/071119.html|title=Raw results – November 19, 2007|access-date=January 4, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=September 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930163831/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/071119.html|url-status=live}} which included Lawler hitting his signature fist drop maneuver after Marella lost a match to the returning Chris Jericho on the November 26 episode of Raw, Marella formed a tag team with Carlito.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/071217.html|title=Raw results – December 17, 2007|access-date=January 4, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/071231.html|title=Raw results – December 31, 2007|access-date=January 4, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}

Around this time, Maria was offered a photo shoot for Playboy magazine. After unsuccessfully persuading her to decline it, Marella tried to sabotage the cover unveiling (an in-ring segment of Raw), causing Maria to dump him.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/080121.html|title=Raw results – January 21, 2008|access-date=April 22, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=May 6, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506022226/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/080121.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/080303.html|title=Raw results – March 3, 2008|access-date=April 22, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=April 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410063056/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/080303.html|url-status=live}} At WrestleMania XXIV, Maria had a "Playboy BunnyMania Lumberjack match." Santino interfered near the end of the match, pulling Maria off of a pin, and was punched by Jerry Lawler. After the match (which Maria's team lost), he was clotheslined by guest "Master of Ceremonies", Snoop Dogg.{{Cite web|url=https://whatculture.com/wwe/snoop-dogg-confirmed-as-celebrity-wwe-hall-of-fame-inductee|title=Snoop Dogg Confirmed As Celebrity WWE Hall Of Fame Inductee|first=Scott|last=Fried|date=28 March 2016|website=WhatCulture.com|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=7 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407151530/https://whatculture.com/wwe/snoop-dogg-confirmed-as-celebrity-wwe-hall-of-fame-inductee|url-status=live}} The next night on Raw, Maria wrestled Marella. Seven other women ganged up on him, and held his legs apart for Maria to headbutt his testicles and pin him. This ended their feud. Marella and Carlito then feuded with Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes over the World Tag Team Championship. During a title match between them, Roddy Piper distracted Marella, who was then pinned. This sparked a rivalry with Piper, which included a confrontation on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

File:Santino & Beth cropped.jpg in late 2008]]

On the July 14, 2008 episode of Raw, Marella lost to Beth Phoenix, who had answered his open challenge.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/results/|access-date=July 17, 2008|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|title=Anarchy in NC|publisher=WWE|archive-date=August 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817040134/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/results|url-status=live}} On the next episode, after he lost another open challenge to the returning D'Lo Brown, Marella and Phoenix kissed, both looking confused afterward.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/results/|access-date=July 22, 2008|date=July 21, 2008|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|title=Civil unrest|publisher=WWE|archive-date=August 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817040134/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/results|url-status=live}} Over the next few weeks, they became a parody of a "power couple", soon called "Glamarella" (a portmanteau of Phoenix's nickname, "Glamazon", and "Marella"). At SummerSlam, they wrestled Intercontinental champion Kofi Kingston and WWE Women's Champion Mickie James in a mixed-tag match with both titles on the line. Phoenix pinned James after hitting her finisher, the Glam Slam, giving Marella his second Intercontinental championship.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/08/17/6484406.html|title=SummerSlam comes close to 'blockbuster' status|date=August 17, 2008|access-date=December 16, 2014|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Tylwalk, Nick|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 30, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730124909/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/08/17/6484406.html|url-status=usurped}} Marella then sought to become the "greatest Intercontinental champion of all the times" by beating The Honky Tonk Man's record 64-week reign. Over the weeks, a "Honk-A-Meter" graphic informed viewers of his progress during his matches and segments (at one point Marella even used a "Honk-a-Perfect-Mountie-Meter" comparing his reign to the combination of The Honky Tonk Man, Mr Perfect and The Mountie's reigns). At Cyber Sunday, Marella was disqualified in a title match with The Honky Tonk Man (who fans voted for over other former champions Roddy Piper and Goldust).{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/matches/8258380/results/|access-date=March 2, 2009|date=October 26, 2008|title=Combo Italiano|last=Adkins|first=Greg|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920192110/http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/matches/8258380/results|url-status=live}} On the November 10 episode of Raw, after a reign of twelve weeks and one day, Marella lost the title to William Regal.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11102008/|access-date=March 2, 2009|date=November 10, 2008|title=Union jacked|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}

In January 2009, Marella entered the Royal Rumble, at #28. He was eliminated by Kane after (officially) 1.9 seconds, breaking The Warlord's 1989 record for shortest Royal Rumble appearance by a tenth of a second. Marella's humour proved popular with audiences, and he turned face again before WrestleMania 25, expressing his desire to be crowned the inaugural "Miss WrestleMania" in a 25-woman battle royale at the event. He challenged Mickie James to a match with one arm tied behind his back, with a battle royal spot on the line, but he lost. The next week, in order to "prove" his eligibility, he revealed he was wearing a mankini. Instead, he was attacked by most of the female roster. Nevertheless, at WrestleMania, he won the battle royal, competing in drag as Santina Marella (Santino Marella's self-alleged twin sister), last eliminating Beth Phoenix and Melina.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/04/06/9019551.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629103158/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/04/06/9019551.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Wrestlemania 25: HBK-Undertaker steals the show|date=April 6, 2009|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=April 6, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Marella successfully defended the Miss Wrestlemania title against Phoenix at Backlash in three seconds, with help from The Great Khali. On the May 18 Raw, Marella lost the title to Vickie Guerrero, and won it back on June 7, at Extreme Rules, by defeating Vickie and Chavo Guerrero Jr. in a handicap hog pen match.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_32644.shtml|title=WWE Extreme Rules PPV Report|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 7, 2009|access-date=December 16, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=September 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925140623/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_32644.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/history/2009/matches/9684380|title=Santina Marella def. Vickie Guerrero in Hog Pen Match (New Miss WrestleMania)|date=June 7, 2009|access-date=December 16, 2014|publisher=WWE|archive-date=May 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510023943/http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/history/2009/matches/9684380|url-status=live}} On the June 22 Raw, Raw's new owner, Donald Trump, fired Santina and the Miss WrestleMania title was abandoned.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlenewz.com/videos/donald-trump-fires-santina-marella-raw-june-22-2009/|title=Donald Trump Fires Santina Marella: Raw, June 22, 2009|work=Wrestle Newz|last=Carrier|first=Steve|date=February 26, 2013|access-date=December 16, 2014}}

File:Marella and Kozlov.jpg in Manchester, England]]

At WrestleMania XXVI, Santino Marella competed in the 26-man battle royale dark match, won by Yoshi Tatsu.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/181247-wrestlemania-26-results-march-28-2010|title=WrestleMania 26 Results – March 28, 2010|work=Wrestle Zone|last=Boone|first=Matt|date=March 28, 2010|access-date=March 28, 2010|archive-date=August 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807144508/http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/181247-wrestlemania-26-results-march-28-2010|url-status=live}} He then tried to form a tag team with Vladimir Kozlov, who repeatedly refused the offer. On the May 31 episode of Raw, Kozlov interfered in Marella's match, helping him win.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05312010|title=Shooting Star-Spangled Raw|website=WWE|access-date=10 January 2020}} On the July 19 Raw, they finally teamed to defeat William Regal and Zack Ryder.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07192010|title=Nexus or against us?|website=WWE|access-date=10 January 2020}} At Night of Champions, Marella and Kozlov wrestled a Tag Team Turmoil match for the Unified Tag Team Championship, won by Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/matches/15746920/results/|title=Results: 'Dashing,' diabolical and dominant|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=September 19, 2010|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305161522/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/matches/15746920/results|url-status=live}}

On the October 11 Raw, he defeated Zack Ryder to qualify for Team Raw at Bragging Rights, against Team SmackDown. He was the first of seven Team Raw members eliminated, pinned by Tyler Reks.{{cite web| url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/10/25/15816946.html| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714010806/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/10/25/15816946.html| url-status=usurped| archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Cena central to Bragging Rights; Smackdown wins again|last=Sokol|first=Bryan|date=October 25, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=October 26, 2010}} On the October 25 Raw, after Sheamus had called him an "embarrassment" for being the first man eliminated at Bragging Rights, Marella scored an upset victory over the former two-time WWE Champion. They wrestled twice more, both matches ending with John Morrison saving Marella from Sheamus' post-match assault.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_44793.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 10/25: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live Raw following Bragging Rights, Bryan vs. Ziggler|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|date=October 25, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 26, 2010|archive-date=October 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027085512/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_44793.shtml|url-status=live}}

File:Santino Marella 2010 Tribute to the Troops (3).jpg 2010]]

On the November 15 Raw, Marella and Kozlov became number one contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championship by defeating The Usos. They unsuccessfully challenged The Nexus (Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater) for the title at Survivor Series.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_45451.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Survivor Series PPV Results 11/21: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Cena's decision, six title matches|first=James|last=Caldwell|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 21, 2010|access-date=December 20, 2010|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303195840/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_45451.shtml|url-status=live}} They won the Tag Team Championship in a four-way elimination tag match on the December 6 Raw, beating The Nexus, The Usos and Mark Henry and Yoshi Tatsu, after John Cena distracted Gabriel, allowing Marella to hit his Cobra finisher. After celebrating in the ring, Tamina kissed Santino, starting a relationship between them.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/07/16454056.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630183145/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/07/16454056.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=RAW: Cena pushes Nexus, Barrett to the breaking point|date=December 7, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=December 7, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} She began accompanying Marella to his matches. Marella and Kozlov retained the Tag Team title at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, when Gabriel and Slater were disqualified after interference from Nexus member Michael McGillicutty.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/12/20/16615521.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525125119/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/12/20/16615521.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=May 25, 2012|title=TLC delivers highs, lows and a new champ|date=December 20, 2010|last=Sokol|first=Bryan|access-date=December 20, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} The next night on Raw, Marella and Tamina beat Ted DiBiase Jr. and Maryse in a mixed-tag match. On January 30, 2011, Marella entered the Royal Rumble at number 37. He was one of the final two wrestlers, before being eliminated by Alberto Del Rio.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/statistics11/|title=2011 Royal Rumble Statistics and Eliminations|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=January 31, 2011|archive-date=October 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010112005/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/statistics11|url-status=live}} At Elimination Chamber, Marella and Kozlov lost the Tag Team title to Gabriel and Slater.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_47887.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Elimination Chamber PPV Results 2/20: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Miz vs. Lawler, two Chamber matches|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=February 20, 2011|access-date=February 21, 2011|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303192404/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_47887.shtml|url-status=live}} At WrestleMania XXVII, Marella teamed with Big Show, Kane, and Kofi Kingston (replacing the injured Kozlov) to defeat The Corre (Slater, Gabriel, Ezekiel Jackson and Wade Barrett) in an eight-man tag match.{{cite web|title=Eight-Man Tag Team Match|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemaniaxxvii/eight-man-tag|date=April 3, 2011|author=Galo Loglisci|publisher=WWE|access-date=April 3, 2011|archive-date=April 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401105543/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemaniaxxvii/eight-man-tag|url-status=live}} Marella's relationship with Tamina ended when she was drafted to SmackDown.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_49593.shtml|title=WWE News: Full list of 2011 WWE Draft Picks (televised Raw Draft & Supplemental Draft)|date=April 26, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-date=April 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429065008/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_49593.shtml|url-status=live}} On August 5, Kozlov was released from WWE, ending the team.{{cite web|title=Vladimir Kozlov released|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/vladimir-kozlov-released|date=August 5, 2011|publisher=WWE|access-date=March 20, 2012|archive-date=January 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122142250/http://www.wwe.com/inside/vladimir-kozlov-released|url-status=live}}

File:USA Champion Santino Marella 2.jpg

Marella began teaming with Zack Ryder on the July 21 Superstars, beating Tag Team Champions David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty in a non-title match. On the August 1 Raw, Otunga and McGillicutty won the rematch.

On September 1, Carelli injured his left shoulder in a car accident before a house show in Puerto Rico, rendering him inactive for several weeks.{{cite web|url=http://us.wwe.com/inside/santino-car-accident|title=Santino Marella in car Accident|date=September 2, 2011|access-date=September 4, 2011|work=WWE.com}} Marella returned on the October 3 Raw, defeating Jinder Mahal.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-10-03/results|title=WWE Raw SuperShow results: Superstars, employees unite against Triple H|last=WORTMAN|first=James|date=October 3, 2011|access-date=October 7, 2011|work=WWE.com|archive-date=October 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006105327/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-10-03/results|url-status=live}} On the October 31 episode, Marella defeated Jack Swagger with a roll-up pin after he spit water given to him by special guest, Beaker of The Muppets, in Swagger's face.{{cite web|title=RAW Results: October 31, 2011|url=http://www.24wrestling.com/raw-results-october-31-2011/|work=24wrestling.com|last=Acero|first=Tony|date=November 1, 2011|access-date=April 26, 2015|archive-date=March 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325164000/http://www.24wrestling.com/raw-results-october-31-2011/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=WWE Raw SuperShow results: It's time to meet The Muppets!|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-10-31/results|work=WWE.com|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|access-date=April 26, 2015|archive-date=2015-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607030822/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-10-31/results|url-status=live}} The following Raw, Swagger defeated Marella by submission. On the January 6, 2012 episode of SmackDown, Marella defeated Drew McIntyre to become Smackdown General Manager Theodore Long's assistant.{{cite web|title=WWE News: Smackdown news & notes – double title match outcomes, match for next week, Ryder replaced, Strike Three for Drew?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_56703.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 7, 2012|archive-date=January 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108133253/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_56703.shtml|url-status=live}} Marella teamed with Yoshi Tatsu on the January 27 SmackDown and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan on the February 3 episode to face Tag Team Champions Primo & Epico, losing both times.{{Cite web|url=http://expertscolumn.com/content/wwe-smackdown-spoilers-12712|title=WWE Smackdown Spoilers 1/27/12|access-date=10 January 2020}}{{cite web|title=WWE Smackdown Spoilers 2/3/12|url=http://expertscolumn.com/content/wwe-smackdown-spoilers-2312|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204104852/http://expertscolumn.com/content/wwe-smackdown-spoilers-2312|archive-date=2012-02-04}} On the February 17 SmackDown, Marella won a battle royal to replace Randy Orton in the Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship at Elimination Chamber.{{Cite web|url=http://expertscolumn.com/content/wwe-smackdown-spoilers-21712|title=WWE Smackdown Spoilers 2/17/12|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=26 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426062843/http://expertscolumn.com/content/wwe-smackdown-spoilers-21712}} At the pay-per-view, he was the last man eliminated by Daniel Bryan.{{cite web|title=World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan won the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2012/smackdown-elimination-chamber-2012|publisher=WWE|last=Giannini|first=Alex|date=February 19, 2012|access-date=February 19, 2012|archive-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513182439/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2012/smackdown-elimination-chamber-2012|url-status=live}}

On the March 5 Raw, Marella defeated Jack Swagger to win the United States Championship. On the following episode of SmackDown, Marella successfully defended the title against Swagger in a steel cage match, by escaping through the cage door.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_58973.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/9: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including John Laurinaitis running the episode|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=2 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302141158/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_58973.shtml|url-status=live}} At WrestleMania XXVIII on April 1, Marella was the team captain of Team Teddy, which lost to Team Johnny, after interference from Eve.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/28/team-teddy-team-johnny|title=Team Teddy vs. Team Johnny|publisher=WWE|access-date=March 12, 2012|archive-date=July 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727183014/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/28/team-teddy-team-johnny|url-status=live}} The following night on Raw, Marella successfully defended the title against Swagger and Dolph Ziggler in a Triple Threat Match,{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59908.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/2: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WM28 fall-out, how will Cena respond to Rock loss?, two big title matches|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=17 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217133715/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59908.shtml|url-status=live}} and against David Otunga on the April 16 episode.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60454.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Raw from London - WWE Title match, Extreme Rules hype|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729235259/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60454.shtml|url-status=live}} In the pre-show of Extreme Rules on April 23, Marella defeated The Miz to retain the United States Championship.{{cite web|title=United States Champion Santino Marella vs. The Miz|date=April 23, 2012|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2012/united-states-champion-santino-marella-vs-the-miz|access-date=April 23, 2012|publisher=WWE|archive-date=April 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421165337/http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2012/united-states-champion-santino-marella-vs-the-miz|url-status=live}} The following night on Raw, Marella unsuccessfully tried to earn a WWE Championship match at Over the Limit in a Beat the Clock Challenge against The Miz.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-04-30/wwe-raw-supershow-results/page-2 |title=Raw Results |author=Tom Herrera |date=April 30, 2012 |publisher=WWE |access-date=May 1, 2012 |archive-date=May 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504170458/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-04-30/wwe-raw-supershow-results/page-2 |url-status=live }} Later that month, Marella briefly reunited with Zack Ryder, facing teams including Primo and Epico, Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks and Titus O'Neil and Darren Young.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/23: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live three-hour Raw – Cena-Lesnar contract signing, surprise appearance in opening segment|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60687.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 1, 2012|archive-date=April 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426224004/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60687.shtml|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_61283.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - JAMES'S WWE SUPERSTARS REPORT 5/10: Team Ryder vs. Team Hawkins main event, Kidd, Natalya, McIntyre victorious|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045834/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_61283.shtml|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_61318.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/11: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Sheamus & Orton vs. Del Rio & Jericho|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730114003/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_61318.shtml|url-status=live}} Marella then feuded with Alberto Del Rio's ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez,{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: Big Show sells out and the locker room empties|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/05/21/19783516.html|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=May 26, 2012|archive-date=July 16, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716011718/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/05/21/19783516.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/25: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Triple-Threat #1 Contender Match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_61799.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 26, 2012|archive-date=March 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325005331/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_61799.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: Vince McMahon stops by for a John Laurinaitis performance review|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/06/11/19865686.html?cid=rsssportswrestling|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713160842/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/06/11/19865686.html?cid=rsssportswrestling|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 13, 2012|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=June 12, 2012}} leading to a non-title Tuxedo match on June 17 at No Way Out, which Marella won.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/2012/united-states-champion-santino-marella-vs-ricardo-rodriguez|title=United States Champion Santino Marella def. Ricardo Rodriguez – Tuxedo Match|last=Linder|first=Zach|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 17, 2012|archive-date=September 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902163851/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/2012/united-states-champion-santino-marella-vs-ricardo-rodriguez|url-status=live}} On the June 25 Raw, Marella successfully defended the United States Championship against Jack Swagger.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_62762.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 6/25: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #995 - Cena vs. Jericho, MITB hype|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116091131/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_62762.shtml|url-status=live}} Four days later on SmackDown, he and Intercontinental Champion Christian defeated David Otunga and Cody Rhodes to qualify for the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank ladder match at Money in the Bank,{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_62913.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Triple Threat match for the World Title|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=29 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929104956/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_62913.shtml|url-status=live}} which was won by Dolph Ziggler.{{citation|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2012/world-heavyweight-championship-contract-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match|title=Money in the Bank Ladder Match for a World Championship Contract|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 29, 2012|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702000940/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2012/world-heavyweight-championship-contract-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match|url-status=live}} On the July 27 and August 3 episodes of SmackDown, Marella lost to Antonio Cesaro in non-title matches.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_63763.shtml|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 7/27: Complete coverage of the Friday show, including Fatal Four-Way to determine World Title #1 Contender|date=July 27, 2012|access-date=July 28, 2012|last=Parks|first=Greg|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=October 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031154414/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_63763.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_63978.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE SmackDown results 8/3: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Syfy show – Orton-Del Rio, Sheamus-Tensai|date=August 3, 2012|access-date=August 3, 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806084639/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_63978.shtml|url-status=live}} On August 19, on the SummerSlam pre-show, Marella lost the United States Championship to Cesaro.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_64430.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE SummerSlam PPV report 8/19: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Lesnar vs. Triple H, Punk vs. Cena vs. Show|date=August 19, 2012|access-date=August 20, 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303195441/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_64430.shtml|url-status=live}} Marella lost his rematch for the title on the September 3 episode of Raw.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64825.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/3: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Punk returns home, Anger Management|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=29 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329074411/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64825.shtml|url-status=live}} On the September 21 episode of SmackDown, Marella defeated Cesaro in a non-title match to earn another shot at the United States Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/27594-wwe-smackdown-tv-report-edge-returns-tons-of-kane-a-bryan|title=WWE Smackdown TV report – Edge returns, tons of Kane & Bryan|date=September 21, 2012|access-date=September 21, 2012|last=Shannon|first=James|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|archive-date=June 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603145316/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/27594-wwe-smackdown-tv-report-edge-returns-tons-of-kane-a-bryan|url-status=live}} The title rematch took place the following week on SmackDown, where Marella failed in his title challenge.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_65587.shtml|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 9/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Randy Orton vs. The Big Show|date=September 28, 2012|access-date=September 28, 2012|last=Parks|first=Greg|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329040529/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_65587.shtml|url-status=live}}

On the debut episode of WWE Main Event on October 3, Marella and Zack Ryder entered a Tag Team Championship tournament, and defeated Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd in the quarterfinals.{{cite web|title=CUPACH'S WWE MAIN EVENT RESULTS 10/3: Alt. perspective review of Ion TV premiere featuring Punk vs. Sheamus|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_65699.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=October 4, 2012|access-date=December 1, 2014}} The following week on Raw, they were eliminated in the semifinals by eventual winners Team Rhodes Scholars (Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow).{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 10/8: Complete coverage of live Raw – Cena returns, but McMahon dominates show|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65800.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=October 8, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=March 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325005619/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65800.shtml|url-status=live}} After this loss Marella and Ryder began a feud with 3MB's members (Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre & Jinder Mahal) which culminated in the Pre-show of Survivor Series, in which Slater and Mahal defeated them.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2012/3mb-santino-marella-zack-ryder-26068586|title=3MB def. Team Co-Bro|publisher=WWE|access-date=November 18, 2012|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221028/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2012/3mb-santino-marella-zack-ryder-26068586|url-status=live}} On the December 26 episode of Main Event, Santino Marella participated in a 20-man battle royal for the number one contender of Cesaro's United States title and split from his partner Zack Ryder, when eliminated him. Successively Marella was eliminated by Wade Barrett from the battle-royal. Marella then took a leave of absence due to a neck injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-news.net/santino-marella-injury-update/22914/|title=Santino Marella injury update|work=Wrestling News|last=Daly|first=Wayne|date=January 21, 2013|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006065049/http://www.wrestling-news.net/santino-marella-injury-update/22914/|url-status=live}}

Marella returned on January 27, 2013, at the Royal Rumble, entering the Royal Rumble match at number 5 before being the first man eliminated by Cody Rhodes.{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE ROYAL RUMBLE PPV RESULTS 1/27: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Punk vs. Rock, 30-man Rumble|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68181.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=January 27, 2013|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=August 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809171417/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68181.shtml|url-status=live}} After a two-month absence, Marella returned to Raw on the April 1 episode, losing to Mark Henry.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69652.shtml|title="CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/1: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=April 1, 2013|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=April 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403185403/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69652.shtml|url-status=live}} Marella returned on the September 9 episode of Raw, defeating Antonio Cesaro.{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/9 (Hour 2): Heyman Wellness Exam, C.M. Punk, Santino returns, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_73250.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=September 9, 2013|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=October 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017215310/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_73250.shtml|url-status=live}} Marella then began a feud with The Real Americans (Cesaro and Jack Swagger), then Marella began to align himself with The Great Khali and Hornswoggle in this feud. He defeated Swagger on the September 20 episode of SmackDown and he defeated Cesaro on the September 30 episode of Raw.{{cite web|title=PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 9/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including a gauntlet match involving The Shield and a host of babyfaces|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_73491.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=September 20, 2013|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304201716/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_73491.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/30 (Hour 3): Orton-Bryan face-to-face, Heyman "proposes" to Ryback|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_73645.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=September 30, 2013|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=October 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017220039/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_73645.shtml|url-status=live}} On October 6 at Battleground, Marella and Khali were defeated by Cesaro and Swagger in a tag team match.{{cite web|title=BATTLEGROUND PPV RESULTS 10/6 (Hour 1): World Title match opens the PPV, plus IC Title & Divas Title matches|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73741.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=October 6, 2013|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=October 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010222951/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73741.shtml|url-status=live}} They were defeated again by The Real Americans on the following episode of Raw, ending their feud.

File:WWE Santino & Emma cropped.jpg before a match on Raw in April 2014]]

On the February 3, 2014 episode of Raw, Marella returned to television and invited Emma into the ring from the crowd to have a "dance-off" with Summer Rae, starting a feud with her and Fandango. Emma would go on to win the dance competition against Rae the February 21 episode of SmackDown. At WrestleMania XXX, Marella participated in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and eliminating The Miz, before being eliminated by Alberto Del Rio. The following night on Raw, Marella and Emma defeated Fandango and Rae in a mixed match to end their feud. On the May 5 episode of Raw, Marella participated in a 20-man battle royal for Dean Ambrose's United States Championship, but he was eliminated by RybAxel (Ryback and Curtis Axel). On the June 17 episode of Main Event, Marella was defeated by Rusev in what would be his final match in WWE until 2020.

After a third neck injury, Marella declared his retirement on July 6 at a house show in Toronto, Ontario.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/37846-wwe-star-announces-retirement|title=WWE star announces retirement|date=July 6, 2014|access-date=July 6, 2014|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|archive-date=July 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140711174444/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/37846-wwe-star-announces-retirement|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Santino Marella makes career-related announcement at WWE Live Event|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/santino-marella-career-announcement-26462997|website=WWE|access-date=July 7, 2014|archive-date=July 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709070306/http://www.wwe.com/inside/santino-marella-career-announcement-26462997}} On September 16, 2014, Marella underwent successful surgery on his neck.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/88322/wwe-star-undergoes-neck-surgery.html?p=1|title=WWE STAR UNDERGOES NECK SURGERY|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=September 17, 2014|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006103817/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/88322/wwe-star-undergoes-neck-surgery.html?p=1|url-status=live}} Marella made several appearances throughout 2014 and 2015, including one appearance on the November 24 episode of Raw to promote his new movie, Jingle All the Way 2 with co-star Larry the Cable Guy, serving as the Guest General Manager for the December 5 episode of SmackDown and hosted his own Royal Rumble lottery on the 20 January, exclusively on the WWE Network. Marella made his return to WWE television on the December 21 episode of Raw to present an award at the Slammy Awards. The next night, on Super SmackDown, Marella appeared in a backstage segment. On May 6, 2016, Carelli was released from WWE along with seven other superstars; the reason was due to an injury.{{cite web|title=Damien Sandow, King Barrett, Santino Marella, Hornswoggle, Alex Riley and other Superstars released|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/hornswoggle-alex-riley-released|publisher=WWE|date=May 6, 2016|access-date=May 6, 2016|archive-date=May 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506153402/http://www.wwe.com/article/hornswoggle-alex-riley-released|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2016/1105/619080/santino-marella-on-his-wwe-release/ |title=Santino Marella's contract expired |last=Giri |first=Raj |date=5 November 2016 |website=Wrestling.inc |access-date=5 November 2016 |archive-date=29 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129142618/http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2016/1105/619080/santino-marella-on-his-wwe-release/ |url-status=live }}

On July 22, 2019, Marella appeared at the Raw Reunion show in a backstage skit. Carelli would make a surprise appearance during the 2020 women's Royal Rumble match under his character of Santina Marella, where he entered at 29, becoming the first male to enter a Women's Royal Rumble match before he eliminated himself via "The Cobra" after being startled and intimidated by Natalya and Beth Phoenix. At NXT Vengeance Day on February 15, 2025, Marella made his on-screen return to WWE in a segment with NXT General Manager Ava.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=February 15, 2025 |title=NXT Vengeance Day results: Moore's live review of Oba Femi vs. Grayson Waller vs. Austin Theory for the NXT Championship, Giulia vs. Bayley vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Cora Jade for the NXT Women's Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/02/15/nxt-vengeance-day-results-moores-live-review-of-oba-femi-vs-grayson-waller-vs-austin-theory-for-the-nxt-championship-giulia-vs-bayley-vs-roxanne-perez-vs-cora-jade-for-the-nxt-womens-t/ |access-date=February 16, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}

On June 17, 2017, Marella announced that he would come out of retirement for one last match for Destiny World Wrestling, which operates out of his Battle Arts Academy facilities, on August 27. Marella had announced that he would be teaming up with Alberto El Patrón against RJ City and Stone Rockwell. In light of El Patron's legal troubles, he was announced to be replaced in the match by Chavo Guerrero Jr. After the match, Marella formally announced the end of his in-ring career.{{cite AV media |publisher=truenorth1968|title=Santino Marella Retires On His Own Terms! |via=YouTube |date=August 27, 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCPVEVoiYKk| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/xCPVEVoiYKk|archive-date=November 17, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=June 7, 2018}}{{cbignore}}

In July 2019, Marella returned to the ring at a Battle Arts Academy show, wrestling in an MMA inspired gimmick.{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/santino-marella-and-damien-sandow-both-return-at-battle-arts-pro-event/|title=Various News: Santino Marella and Damien Sandow Both Return At Battle Arts Pro Event, Lineup For Tonight's Impact Wrestling Event, Match Added To Impact Wrestling Tapings|last=Lee|first=Joseph|website=411Mania|date=July 19, 2019|access-date=January 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719211551/https://411mania.com/wrestling/santino-marella-and-damien-sandow-both-return-at-battle-arts-pro-event/|archive-date=July 19, 2019|url-status=live}} On September 14, 2019, he appeared live in Josh Barnett's Bloodsport II as himself, Anthony Carelli.{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/10/tales-from-the-mat-presents-anthony-carelli-im-done-being-660276/|title=Tales From The Mat Presents: Anthony Carelli "I'm Done Being Santino Marella"|date=October 2, 2019|website=Wrestling Inc.|access-date=January 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016220821/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/10/tales-from-the-mat-presents-anthony-carelli-im-done-being-660276/|archive-date=October 16, 2022|url-status=live}}

On November 5, 2017, Carelli appeared in the audience for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Bound for Glory event. Carelli still collaborating with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, co-hosting the program Behind the Lights on Twitch.{{cite tweet|number=1014539341413212161|user=IMPACTWRESTLING|title=We're excited to announce that @AliciaAtout will join @milanmiracle as the new co-host of Behind the Lights every s…|date=July 4, 2018|access-date=January 10, 2020}} On July 23, 2018, he appeared at an Impact Wrestling TV taping, in the corner of Dustin Quicksilver (representing his Battle Arts Academy). Quicksilver lost to Austin Aries after Carelli threw in the towel on his behalf. Following this he got in a confrontation with Aries, resulting in Carelli hitting Aries with a low blow.{{cite web |date=July 24, 2018 |title=Spoilers Impact Wrestling 23 de julio de 2018 |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/72785-spoilers-impact-wrestling-23-de-julio-de-2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517084834/https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/72785-spoilers-impact-wrestling-23-de-julio-de-2018 |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |access-date=January 10, 2020 |website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com}}

On March 5, 2022, Carelli returned to Impact Wrestling for their Sacrifice event, doing commentary alongside Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt for the TNA World Championship main event between Moose and Heath.{{cite web |author=IMPACT Wrestling Staff |date=March 5, 2022 |title=Sacrifice 2022 Full Results |url=https://impactwrestling.com/2022/03/05/sacrifice-2022-live-results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306161143/https://impactwrestling.com/2022/03/05/sacrifice-2022-live-results/ |archive-date=March 6, 2022 |access-date=December 24, 2022 |publisher=Impact Wrestling}} On January 13, 2023, at Impact Wrestling's Hard to Kill PPV, Carelli made his return under his previous ringname Santino Marella, performing as the on-screen authority figure "Director of Authority."{{Cite web |title=Santino Marella se presenta en Hard to Kill como Vicepresidente Ejecutivo de IMPACT |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/116095-santino-marella-nuevo-vicepresidente-ejecutivo-de-impact|access-date=2023-01-14 |website=Solowrestling |date=14 January 2023 |language=en |author1=Solowrestling }} On the April 6 episode of Impact!, Marella was mysteriously attacked backstage.{{cite web|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2023/04/06/impact-on-axs-tv-results-april-6-2023/|title=IMPACT! on AXS TV Results: April 6, 2023|publisher=Impact Wrestling|author=IMPACT Wrestling Staff|date=April 6, 2023|access-date=April 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225095108/https://impactwrestling.com/2023/04/06/impact-on-axs-tv-results-april-6-2023/|archive-date=February 25, 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/04/07/4-6-impact-wrestling-tv-results-moores-review-of-jonathan-gresham-vs-mikey-bailey-eddie-edwards-vs-pco-darren-mccarty-tommy-dreamer-and-yuya-uemura-vs-bully-ray-john-skyler-and-j/|title=4/6 Impact Wrestling TV results: Moore's review of Jonathan Gresham vs. Mikey Bailey, Eddie Edwards vs. PCO, Darren McCarty, Tommy Dreamer, and Yuya Uemura vs. Bully Ray, John Skyler, and Jason Hotch, Motor City Machine Guns vs. "TMDK" Bad Dude Tito and Shane Haste, Jody Threat debuts|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|first=John|last=Moore|date=April 7, 2023|access-date=April 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114033148/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/04/07/4-6-impact-wrestling-tv-results-moores-review-of-jonathan-gresham-vs-mikey-bailey-eddie-edwards-vs-pco-darren-mccarty-tommy-dreamer-and-yuya-uemura-vs-bully-ray-john-skyler-and-j/|archive-date=January 14, 2023|url-status=live}} With Sami Callihan being suspected behind the attack as part of his initiation into The Design, Marella teamed up with Dirty Dango and the TNA Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry on April 16, at Rebellion, to face and ultimately defeat the Design.{{cite web|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2023/04/16/impact-wrestling-rebellion-2023-live-results/|title=IMPACT Wrestling: Rebellion 2023 Full Results|work=Impact Wrestling|date=April 16, 2023|access-date=April 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417160738/https://impactwrestling.com/2023/04/16/impact-wrestling-rebellion-2023-live-results/|archive-date=April 17, 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/04/16/4-16-impact-wrestling-rebellion-results-powells-review-of-steve-maclin-vs-kushida-for-the-vacant-impact-world-championship-deonna-purrazzo-vs-jordynne-grace-for-the-vacant-knockouts-title-ace-a/|title=4/16 Impact Wrestling Rebellion results: Powell's review of Steve Maclin vs. Kushida for the vacant TNA World Championship, Deonna Purrazzo vs. Jordynne Grace for the vacant Knockouts Title, Ace Austin and Chris Bey vs. MCMG in a Ultimate X for the Impact Tag Titles, Trey Miguel vs. Jonathan Gresham vs. Mike Bailey in an elimination match for the X Division Title|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|first=Jason|last=Powell|date=April 16, 2023|access-date=April 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417162719/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/04/16/4-16-impact-wrestling-rebellion-results-powells-review-of-steve-maclin-vs-kushida-for-the-vacant-impact-world-championship-deonna-purrazzo-vs-jordynne-grace-for-the-vacant-knockouts-title-ace-a/|archive-date=April 17, 2023|url-status=live}} On the May 18 episode of Impact!, it was revealed that Dango was Marella's assailant.{{cite web|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2023/05/18/impact-on-axs-tv-results-may-18-2023/|title=IMPACT! on AXS TV Results: May 18, 2023|publisher=Impact Wrestling|author=IMPACT Wrestling Staff|date=May 18, 2023|access-date=May 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225095108/https://impactwrestling.com/2023/05/18/impact-on-axs-tv-results-may-18-2023/|archive-date=February 25, 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/05/19/5-18-impact-wrestling-tv-results-moores-review-of-trinity-vs-kilynn-king-x-division-champion-trey-miguel-vs-laredo-kid-in-a-non-title-match-moose-eddie-edwards-and-frankie-kazarian/|title=5/18 Impact Wrestling TV results: Moore's review of Trinity vs. KiLynn King, X Division Champion Trey Miguel vs. Laredo Kid in a non-title match, Moose, Eddie Edwards, and Frankie Kazarian vs. Alex Shelley, Jonathan Gresham, and Yuya Uemura, Jason Hotch vs. Ace Austin|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|first=John|last=Moore|date=May 19, 2023|access-date=May 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519201825/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/05/19/5-18-impact-wrestling-tv-results-moores-review-of-trinity-vs-kilynn-king-x-division-champion-trey-miguel-vs-laredo-kid-in-a-non-title-match-moose-eddie-edwards-and-frankie-kazarian/|archive-date=May 19, 2023|url-status=live}} At Victory Road, Marella appeared on-screen with his daughter, NXT and TNA liaison Arianna Grace,{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Arianna Grace Says She's The New Liaison Between TNA And NXT, Karmen Petrovic Answers Open Challenge On 9/5 TNA iMPACT! {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/arianna-grace-says-she-s-new-liaison-between-tna-and-nxt-karmen-petrovic-answers-open-challenge-95 |access-date=September 6, 2024 |website=Fightful |language= |archive-date=September 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906053937/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/arianna-grace-says-she-s-new-liaison-between-tna-and-nxt-karmen-petrovic-answers-open-challenge-95 |url-status=live }} for the first time in their career.{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=September 13, 2024 |title=Santino Marella And Arianna Grace Reunite At TNA Victory Road {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/santino-marella-and-arianna-grace-reunite-tna-victory-road |access-date=September 14, 2024 |website=Fightful |language= |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914025310/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/santino-marella-and-arianna-grace-reunite-tna-victory-road |url-status=live }}

Early in his professional wrestling career, Carelli trained and wrestled at the original Battlarts in Japan. He, along with kung fu practitioner Steven J. Wong and fitness magazine publisher Terry Frendo, opened a 15,000 square foot multi-use facility and gym in Mississauga, Ontario called 'Battle Arts Academy' in September 2013. It is for general strength and conditioning, as well as for training in mixed martial arts and professional wrestling taught by the original Battlarts founder, Yuki Ishikawa.{{cite web|title=Santino to open up Gym in Canada — 'Dan Kolov Arena'|url=http://santino-marella.net/?p=3447|work=Website|access-date=2013-05-17|archive-date=2013-10-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029102403/http://santino-marella.net/?p=3447|url-status=live}} In 2015, Carelli trained athletes from Venezuela for the Panamerican Games 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.primerahora.com/deportes/otros/nota/atletasvenezolanosseentrenanengimnasiodesantinomarella-1094126/|title=Atletas venezolanos se entrenan en gimnasio de Santino Marella|date=8 July 2015|access-date=13 August 2015|archive-date=5 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905162326/http://www.primerahora.com/deportes/otros/nota/atletasvenezolanosseentrenanengimnasiodesantinomarella-1094126/|url-status=live}}

In 2014, Carelli and his partner Dan Garneau founded and sponsored Canadian junior ice hockey team, Milton Battle Arts Cobras.{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidehalton.com/community-story/4607374-new-junior-team-coming-to-milton/|title=New junior team coming to Milton|date=30 June 2014|access-date=23 June 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202949/https://www.insidehalton.com/community-story/4607374-new-junior-team-coming-to-milton/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.toronto.com/community-story/4883581-milton-cobras-set-to-strike-in-new-junior-hockey-league/ | title=Milton Cobras set to strike in new junior hockey league | newspaper=Toronto.com | date=26 September 2014 | last1=Leblanc | first1=Steve | archive-date=24 June 2021 | access-date=23 June 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203402/https://www.toronto.com/community-story/4883581-milton-cobras-set-to-strike-in-new-junior-hockey-league/ }}{{Cite web|url=https://opencorporates.com/companies/ca/8930775|title=MILTON BATTLE ARTS COBRAS INC. :: Canada :: OpenCorporates|access-date=2021-06-23|archive-date=2021-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204614/https://opencorporates.com/companies/ca/8930775|url-status=live}} The team was part of World United Hockey League.

In November 2016, Carelli joined the Sportsnet 360 Aftermath panel as an analyst.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BMpLt96g-3-/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BMpLt96g-3- |archive-date=2021-12-26 |url-access=registration|title=Jimmy Korderas on Instagram: "Join us Tuesday November 15, as #AftermathTV moves to its brand new day and a brand new time of 7:30pm.right before Smackdown Live on…"|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}} On May 2, 2018, Carelli debuted the weekly show Behind the Lights, alongside co-host, Destiny World Wrestling owner George Iceman on the official Impact Wrestling Twitch channel.{{Cite web |url=http://impactwrestling.com/behind-the-lights-with-anthony-carelli-and-iceman-debuts-wednesday-on-twitch/ |title=Behind the Lights with Anthony Carelli and Iceman Debuts Wednesday on Twitch - IMPACT Wrestling |work=IMPACT Wrestling |date=May 2018 |access-date=2018-07-06 |archive-date=2019-08-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802050459/https://impactwrestling.com/behind-the-lights-with-anthony-carelli-and-iceman-debuts-wednesday-on-twitch/ }}

Being a Shodan for more than 30 years, Carelli is the judo instructor in Battle Arts Academy. Aside from being a commentator for the International Judo Federation, he was named Judo Canada's first official ambassador in November 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.judocanada.org/anthony-carelli-is-judo-canadas-first-official-ambassador/|title=Anthony Carelli Is Judo Canada's First Official Ambassador|work=Judo Canada |date=5 November 2019|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=22 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922082632/https://www.judocanada.org/anthony-carelli-is-judo-canadas-first-official-ambassador/|url-status=live}}

Carelli and his former wife Petrina have a daughter, Bianca Carelli, who won the Miss Teen Ontario-World pageant in 2013.{{cite web|url=http://missteenontario.ca/hello-from-bianca-carelli-miss-teen-ontario-world-2013/|title=Hello from Bianca Carelli, Miss Teen Ontario–World 2013|access-date=2013-09-16|archive-date=2016-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616223019/http://missteenontario.ca/hello-from-bianca-carelli-miss-teen-ontario-world-2013/}}{{cite tweet|number=1391550651470172161|user=CarelliBianca|title=Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful, funny and smart momma, Petrina! 🥰 love you so much! |date=10 May 2021}} Carelli married bikini fitness competitor Anna Babij, in November 2015.{{cite journal| last = Meltzer | first = Dave | author-link = Dave Meltzer | date = December 7, 2015 | title = December 7, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE attempts to right the ship, New Japan tag league update, more | journal = Wrestling Observer Newsletter | location = Campbell, California | issn = 1083-9593 | page=51}} His daughter Bianca previously wrestled for the NWA and is currently signed to WWE, where she performs on the NXT brand under the ring name Arianna Grace.

Carelli is a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario.

File:30 - Santino Marella.jpg...]]

File:United States Champion Santino Marella.jpg]]

• Ashai Annual Tournament (2017) - Bronze{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BZuu-UkD9Wt/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BZuu-UkD9Wt |archive-date=2021-12-26 |url-access=registration|title=Santino Marella on Instagram: "This weekend I did something kind of crazy, I competed in my first judo tournament in about 19 years. I have been working out consistently…"|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}}

• The Baltimore Sun
• Newcomer of the Year (2007){{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|title=2007 Awards|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2007-12-2007_awards-story.html|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=December 30, 2007|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026135318/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2007-12-2007_awards-story.html}}
• DDT Pro-Wrestling
• Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/ironman-hm.html|title=Ironman Heavymetalweight Title|access-date=2016-08-29|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com|archive-date=2017-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729200555/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/ironman-hm.html|url-status=live}}
• Ohio Valley Wrestling
• OVW Television Championship (2 times){{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles#television|title=OVW Television Championship history|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405184334/http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles#television|archive-date=2011-04-05}}
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• PWI ranked him No. 60 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2012{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2012.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2012|access-date=August 25, 2012|work=The Internet Wrestling Database|archive-date=March 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308020220/http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2012.html|url-status=live}}
• World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE
• WWE Intercontinental Championship (2 times){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/4515822 |title=Santino Marella's first reign |work=WWE |access-date=2007-04-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515051422/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/4515822 |archive-date=2007-05-15}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/36442661111111 |access-date=2008-08-18 |title=Santino Marella's second reign |work=WWE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821034228/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/36442661111111 |archive-date=2008-08-21}}
• WWE United States Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/25063179|title=United States Championship - Santino Marella|work=WWE.com|access-date=April 26, 2015|archive-date=March 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327200931/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/25063179}}
• WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Vladimir Kozlov{{cite web|url=http://us.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/20101206|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130930042300/http://us.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/20101206|archive-date=September 30, 2013|title=WWE Tag Team Championships - Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov|work=WWE.com|access-date=April 26, 2015}}
• Miss WrestleMania Battle Royal (2009){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/2009/matches/9525482/results/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091108122030/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/2009/matches/9525482/results/|title=Say hello to my twin sister|last=Raymond|first=Katie|date=April 5, 2009|publisher=WWE|archive-date=November 8, 2009|access-date=April 6, 2009}}
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
• Best Gimmick (2007, 2008){{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|periodical=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}

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|{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Joe-Basko-11521|title=Joe Basko profile|publisher=Sherdog|access-date=January 21, 2014|archive-date=February 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201195042/http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Joe-Basko-11521|url-status=live}}

{{end}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Anthony Carelli|Santino Marella}}

• {{WWE superstar}}
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Category:1974 births

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