Santino Marella on his fake accent, current comedy wrestlers, creating The Cobra, retiring

Santino Marella chats with Chris Van Vliet at The Big Event in New York City. He talks about how he created “the cobra”, speaking with a fake Italian accent, whether he thinks he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, his option on current comedy wrestling gimmicks, winning the Miss WrestleMania Battle Royal as Santina and much more!
🔵 Get awesome CVV t-shirts and merch here:
teespring.com/...
🔴 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE WRESTLING INTERVIEWS!!!
/ chrisvanvliet
Follow me on Instagram: / chrisvanvliet
Like me on Facebook: / chrisvanvliet
Follow me on Twitter: / chrisvanvliet
Email me: [e-mail]
My audio equipment provided by Samson Technologies: bit.ly/CVVSamson
#WWE #SantinoMarella #Wrestling

[@ChrisVanVliet]

This interview with Santino is also available on my podcast, "The Chris Van Vliet Show"! If you subscribe and leave a review I'll give you the best high five ever the next time I see you! 🔥 APPLE: apple.co/2IGzIAt SPOTIFY: spoti.fi/2X3de0h GOOGLE: bit.ly/2NseN8D STITCHER: bit.ly/2KU3y6H

[@Kzight]

Hearing him talk normally just fucked up my whole childhood, and im 27 lmao

[@AyaanKhan-nw8lf]

For real duuki.

[@aztecwrrior1997]

Sameeeee! I never expected this voice

[@scotthitman1]

He sounds like Faaan-dang- goooo

[@TheOnlyDTM]

this is crazy for me too lol

[@H.K.5]

You would've been 15 odd when he made his debut though.

[@JustinSparfven]

Curious as to why Santino chose to use a fake accent for this interview.

[@jaygardner6639]

Hes from Canada

[@JibzCastor]

Because it's still real to me, damn it.

[@JustinSparfven]

Oof, JJ isn't very bright lol

[@chada75]

@@JustinSparfven The Joke, Over JJ's Head.

[@PDD82031]

What’s that all aboot??

[@antfrancis9941]

Santino: yep I had a fake a accent. Kofi: Bombaclaart.😁

[@pallavsahu7637]

He related to Troopz of AFTV?

[@eddiew2325]

Pallav Sahu am I the only one who thinks I’m gay

[@eddiew2325]

Mark Leviathan who are u why are u stalking me

[@eddiew2325]

Mark Leviathan 👀

[@froggo9696]

Pallav Sahu Ham Roll

[@RealgamerforLife]

I can't lie Santino was funny as hell wish he didn't have to retire hopefully he will return in near future

[@LuigiTheItalian]

John Chena

[@aceofpittsburgh]

He'd be the perfect 24/7 champion

[@rockybalboa1158]

@@LuigiTheItalian Drew McIntosh, Shamos

[@ahmedyusuf3340]

Former US and IC Champion wish he stayed he deserves a World Champion

[@DatMuslimGuy]

If I were him I would never go back he would just be a gimmick

[@jesterboykins2899]

He’s so laid back, personable. Never knew. Seems like a cool guy.

[@Bill_Watts]

Now when can you get Santina for an interview

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Haha next time

[@MrGHansen77]

Thats when you know you've made it

[@AutisticLed]

Busy schedule

[@tomtalker2000]

He's one of THE MOST talented guys that came into the WWE. He was truly a funny guy but people don't realize how talented he is in the ring as well. He never got to showcase that side of him because of his comedic WWE role.

[@SchofieldAJ]

Actually when he started on the Main Roster during his 1st IC title reign has that non funny Lance Storm Serious character as go back n watch his February to like November 2007 run he did the serious thing. Then he switched it to comedy cause Fans were hating on Serious Santino til he went the comedy route n boom everyone loved him after that

[@MrGHansen77]

Dammit Santino, I was fooled this whole time until right now

[@jaygardner6639]

Same

[@mynameisjeff830]

Hell, when he wrestled for OVW, he had a Russian MMA fighter gimmick. So I thought he was from Russia

[@jaemajor]

mind blown...

[@larry0483]

Same here

[@ugobrown2357]

My life is a lie 😐😭

[@Q8illusions]

He's a great guy! When they were in Abu Dhabi, I saw all the wrestler leave the hotel to get on the bus, and he was the only one willing to take a picture with me. Very humble guy

[@Broncos4Life721]

If Santino could return at the Rumble.. When everyone heard his music.. It'd be awesome!

[@bougelemouge]

Except WWE would just have him repeat his 'i wasn't ready' schtick instead of giving him the huge return push he deserves

[@TooFurious4]

Returns in the Royal Rumble and starts hitting everyone in ring with the Cobra strike. 🤣

[@TheRock-su3qz]

@@bougelemouge Bruh, the NEGATIVITY from the smarks is the main reason why wrestling is becoming less and less popular. Oh yeah, wrestling sucks even the die-hard fans(idiotic smarks) hate it

[@austin31697]

@@TheRock-su3qz 💯 tell em again

[@Five3aaron]

Sure as shit, he returned as "Santina"....AT the Royal Rumble. Lol

[@Piisuke]

Honestly, Santino is one of my favourite wrestlers of all time. Legit had me crying from laughter on many occasions.

[@teoneager5595]

I can't believe how incredible Chris is at listening literally sits there and you can tell he is really into the conversations he has with the other wrestlers. Truly a good character you're Chris I'm subscribing!

[@anttvinenko490]

Agree, interviewer is a real discipline pro

[@supportpatriarchyordietrying]

that's more fake than Santino's accent

[@TheeKingRayzor]

I can tell Santino doesn't like to do the accent anymore.

[@SalDaDrummr]

met him during wm31 and we had like a 5-10 minute conversation. He started off with the accent and by the end of the conversation he had just given up on it.

[@TheeKingRayzor]

@@SalDaDrummr Is he nice?

[@SalDaDrummr]

@@TheeKingRayzor one of the nicest people I met during all of WM weekend

[@TheeKingRayzor]

@@SalDaDrummr Who else did you meet?

[@SalDaDrummr]

@@TheeKingRayzor the revival, sheamus, randy orton, , sin cara, kalisto, paige, aj Lee, rtruth, bella twins, cesaro and tyson kidd, enzo and cass and many more. I used to live by the festivities of wm31 so everything was walking distance from me. Favorite week of my wrestling life!

[@TakeAJokeAzorthyMod]

I am one of the people who didn't know about his real voice lmao

[@shadowcross7248]

Santino would be great as one of the panel's of WWE Backstage. Love to see him return for one more run in WWE.

[@shawnwhite1972]

He does on aftermath

[@shockmaster9455]

Such an underrated wrestler. Glad he had a chance to showcase his skills for Bloodsport.

[@TRIIGGAVELLI]

No one is more underrated than you Shock Master

[@standardofexcellence]

"I dont care who you are boy!"

[@AmazingGuy13]

Holy crap it's weird to hear him without his accent.

[@99mrpogi]

@Repo man Anthony "santino marella" Carelli has legit Italian ancestry that allowed him to portray an Italian stereotype

[@mistamaog]

I remember watching that Elimination Chamber match. I didn't like Daniel Bryan at the time, and found myself cheering for Santino when it was just him and Bryan.

[@callumskinner4584]

Imagine Santino as champion Vs Sheamus at WrestleMania. Would have been spectacular

[@mistamaog]

@@callumskinner4584 Yup. I think I was one of the few that was kind of glad that Sheamus beat Bryan in 18 seconds since I didn't want him to win at the chamber. Santino and Sheamus could've had a decent match and would've rewarded Santino for his loyalty. It is what it is though and I am now a fan of Bryan

[@callumskinner4584]

@@mistamaog the 18 seconds was the best thing to happen to Bryan. And I wouldn't have minded Santino losing in 18 seconds bc he would have got a world title for his loyalty

[@IamBrixTM]

Fucking hated Bryan. Bored me to tears

[@-KiTToBuG]

"You have to wrestle. You can't avoid the wrestling to just do comedy" - Santino He said it as a passing comment but its so true. I think a lot of current talent needs to learn this.

[@DaylinThaGemini]

That's why Mox left WWE. They wanted him doing comedy to make him kid friendly when he really isn't half of the time. He likes throwing some little joke lines in to be funny, but that's not the root of what he wants in terms of character. He wanted to be taken serious and work on the ground, grapple, and chain wrestle (which he can). Vince wanted to see Jon as a goofy looney toon in his later years in the company starting before he won the WWE Title with the poorly written attachment to Mitch the potted plant. When he was just given a live mic and had those promos with Seth and Ziggler in his WWE Title reign, he was basically him cutting a promo and he could feel it. Underdog/fighting champion promo against Seth and the guy that can outsmart DZ promo. Jon knew the route he wanted for his character, but Vince saw him as a comedy act for the second half of WWE run. Comedy has a time and place, but it can't be forced on the talent and not everyone should do it. They focus on entertainment rather than getting people in the ring that can give 3.5-4 star matches on a near weekly basis.

[@TheKestevon]

@@DaylinThaGemini 3-5 matches never put many people butts on seat but compelling promo segment is.

[@nightman_cometh9367]

You can tell CVV loves his job and is passionate about broadcasting as a whole - it's really a pleasure seeing him living his best life! He's a great reporter and absolutely deserves all the success he is getting and has already gotten.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks for the kind words Cameron! Happy new year!

[@nightman_cometh9367]

@@ChrisVanVliet You too man! All the best in 2020 🔥

[@The-Marinho]

That Moment when santino almost won the Royal Rumble that was awesome

[@AutisticLed]

And the Elimination Chamber maybe?

[@The-Marinho]

@@AutisticLed Yeah that too!

[@darknytestudios]

He was so unbelievably entertaining. This is the first time I have heard him speak out of character. I was curious what his voice sounded like. His attitude is amazing, and a lot of people can learn from this. Great interview.

[@chadrobinson2195]

I was at Elimination Chamber 2012 and he had no business winning the title, but he told such a story that I actually thought it might have been possible as the match went on. Incredibly underrated in my book.

[@Damaged7]

That was one of the times I wish they would have just pulled the trigger and tried something unexpected. You knew deep down he wouldn't win but he really did make you think it could happen.

[@JoseRufus]

Bruh I'm a minute in and I've learned so much lol this is gonna be good

[@theJaRRoOnE22]

JoseRufus right!!! Lol

[@Deathadder1994]

His character was the greatest thing ever in wwe, The dancing and the woman’s battle royal was hilarious All the segments were amazing

[@GrotesqueHyydra]

Nick he was the best

[@Deathadder1994]

jimmie jenkins what?

[@LGSPTJ]

I love Santino, but for me, I'd put R-Truth first and then Santino.

[@ponokanaka]

I took a break from wrestling when R-truth came out. I’ve only been catching up the last month. Watching clips of both I feel more connected to Santino because I was watching when Santino debuted and saw all of his segments in tv at the time

[@adamirishconundrum851]

He was a joke and a job guy, only because Jim Cornette slapped him.

[@mahnameisj]

That thing falling at around 3:09 got me good. Legit thought something was crawling on my screen

[@mutalix]

Do you see something I dont?

[@thepsalms2806]

Looks like a spider

[@beet1508]

Santinos a legend I remember his debut watched it live and I actually thought he was a audience member lmao he def needs to be in the hall of fame one day

[@anuragvohra5519]

He should be in Movies, he played his role so well and doing commedy is the most difficult of all, that too in front of so many live audience ! Respect!

[@1236Wrestling]

The first time I ever met a wrestler was meeting Santino in 2011 and at the time I remember thinking wow he really stays in character as he was complementing my 8x10 print of him.. come to find out few years later that he REALLY was in character because he had the accent the whole time lol

[@The_Madness_is_Winning]

He was one of my favorite comedy wrestlers, hopefully he'll be inducted in the Hall of Fame some day

[@zahraasaab7624]

Currently: Watching CVV while doing some thanksgiving prep 🙌

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Save some for me!

[@sladeslayed]

@@huh1387 ouch

[@brocaflocka2282]

I’m watching on the shitter

[@swampykeane]

@@brocaflocka2282 Same, but I'm also playing Pokemon

[@Sickness362]

Nobody cares

[@reubenelite]

Man chris is killin it with these interviews keep up the good work

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks man!

[@jono00771]

Santino Marella was great... enjoyed his run the entire time and remember he was a 2 TIME IC CHAMP!!!! #RESPECT

[@adyingshadow]

Is it weird that in my head, I'm still listening to his santino accent?

[@randolphrondon8141]

Someday I want to meet Santino Marella, he’s one of the best wrestler/entertainer for me.

[@aaronlecklider1378]

Another good interview. He gets the psychology and he took at crap character imo and made it his and owned it. During his time the character was not there yet. Now, if he came back got a little nudge to the top he could run with it.

[@teawhijohnson9514]

One of the only lads I have seen on KZbin interviewing someone who let's the guest finish there sentence without interrupting them. Mad respect bro from Te in Nz mad respect, what a fucking guy!!! ✊❤

[@CoryHeadquarters]

Remember when he would fast walk around the outside of the ring 😂

[@RonFleener]

An this dude is chill af. What a good interview

[@TheRandomGoofball]

Oh man Santino Marella was such a fun character to watch on WWE. He had so many memorable moments. 1. Of course being the one mention in this interview of winning the Intercontinental Championship on his 1st night 2. His number came up in the Royal Rumble and Kane immediately eliminated him and he responds saying "I wasn't ready" 3. When he almost won the World Heavyweight title in the Elimination Chamber back in 2011

[@AlexYBITW]

2012

[@IcemanFabian]

Santino was a funny character but Anthony Carelli is a hell of a wrestler an he showed it in #Bloodsport

[@BrianTKessler]

Link?

[@MikeBites]

“And he’s also such a handsome boy!” Sincerely, Santino’s Grandma

[@IcemanFabian]

@@BrianTKessler it was a ppv I'm not sure if there's any video of it on KZbin sorry my friend

[@Minickzky98]

His match with simon grimm (FKA simon gotch) was absolutely great. That match alone was better than rollins vs. Fiend HIAC

[@GABRIELA-ACEVEDO.]

@@Minickzky98 💀💀

[@al112v4]

"It's becoming a little less special." SPOT. ON. Less is more, quality over quanity, not everyone needs to wrestle. Where are the managers? Where are the talkers? Where are the non-wrestling figures overall? Wrestling evolves but it doesn't need to forget its roots.

[@Foxo-Matti12]

true. i hate the flip-flop shit we have nowadays.

[@orster2076]

@Ziad Khaled declining ratings say otherwise

[@TheRock-su3qz]

Yeah, Santino is right man. This flippy-floppy shit and guys like meltzer is the reason for the downfall

[@cameronb7161]

I don't agree with him on that. Wrestling is like ice cream. Everyone has their favorite flavor. If there's just one flavor and you hate that flavor, then you'll hate ice cream. Like there's alot of people that don't like WWE, so they watch AEW or Impact or vice versa. Having options is nice.

[@al112v4]

Cameron Buitrago Did he said that 1 is the only option? Nope, he said there’s TOO many and mostly they feel similarly, there’s no innovation or balls as what the Attitude Era did or even the Ruthless Agression Era did, they don’t take chances because they’re afraid that social media will complain that they’re being too offensive or violent with the crap they do (the Omega/Moxley got some very angry thinking that was extremely violent and unnecessary, they need to watch CZW to see what extremely violent truly is). It’s not good, for anyone involved.

[@spencerbrown1418]

Again, another wonderful interview with characters and guests we want to listen too. I have to applaud the mic skills as a interviewer when you asked How he transitioned into the comedic version of Santino, However he went on a tangent...and you let him talk!! But then came back to when he finished....so GOOD!

[@JRock-xv3sk]

I would be glad too see Santino in the Hall of Fame

[@DavidTheBulldog]

Santino dated a teacher in my elementary school when they were in highschool.

[@MrYouarethecancer]

Gave her the snake

[@LL-fd7xn]

I had no idea this interview existed until now! Great interview 👍 👏 👌 🙌.

[@scootersl]

Thanks Anthony for all the years of entertainment

[@bougelemouge]

Most underrated wrestler in the last 20 years. Absolutely should've got the win at elimination chamber, he was on huge fire right then. One title short of the grand slam, would have deserved it.

[@goatmanindustries7182]

Love it how he name drops my birthplace twice. When I was driving to Elizabethtown. He did play that character so well.

[@Trish0871]

That’s his real voice? I didn’t expect him to sound like that. I knew that the voice he used in WWE was fake but I didn’t expect this. 😲

[@HadiFaHD]

I always loved santino,sad that he never got pushed rlly

[@EasyJayce]

HadiFaHD he was literally one of the most pushed for his character type

[@PhenomenalTeach11]

Early 2012 was his best time in WWE I reckon.

[@sgttoasterface5282]

He defeated umaga lol. Guy was literally picked from a crowd and given a title day one. If that’s not a push I don’t know what is. Yes he didn’t do much in the end with the comedy routine first with Beth and then with the tag team, but he had a solid 2 years at least before the whole snake puppet and everything

[@HadiFaHD]

@@sgttoasterface5282 he won the IC title on his debut,thats right but he never won the world or wwe title and wasnt a main eventer

[@eastwaters4082]

The Santino character wasn't serious enough for a main event push, but his Boris Alexisev gimmick would've gotten soooo over.

[@declanl2167]

I never knew that the accent was fake 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭my childhood died a little bit

[@justinhaifner481]

💯

[@itachi-kun7736]

he was canadian

[@sportsentertained]

Santino was my favourite. I still wear my Santino shirt around the World Cup to piss of the soccer fans at work because it looks like a football jersey.

[@youtubian5179]

Sitting in the middle of a lecture with my jaw on the floor rn .... I've never heard his voice before lmao. He doesn't even look like the same person! lol

[@Ucey365]

Anthony seems tired of the Santino character. I get the impression that he's moved past his in ring career. Nothing wrong with that. Good work as always CVV

[@user-pc9jq5qe9i]

781

[@SpydaWWE]

Oh sick! Didn't know Chris was a local boy! I've been to Santinos gym many times. Great dude 👍

[@MTSpade]

Hey Chris I love seeing all the former guys talk about their careers, you do a great job, I hope soon you can get Mysterio on, would love to hear him talk about what led to his comeback, what could be his final run in WWE, and how it was to work with his son again since the last time he worked with Eddie, and how his son felt about that

[@luisarguello7297]

One of the most memorable characters in WWE 🙌🏻 i remember watching his debut live and I legit thought that he was a fan who just won the IC title. Every promotion needs a comedy figure.

[@chekoflow8162]

Bro, every question I'm thinking to ask him, you (Chris) end up asking it next... Your are awesome bro... And that's in any interview I see from you. Great job Thnks for great interviews

[@ChrisVanVliet]

I appreciate that!

[@Superman_305]

Like him or hate him one thing is undeniable and Santino Marella was one of the most underrated wrestlers in wwe history.

[@dayve3]

The best ‘character’ wrestler offering outstanding comic relief from an otherwise terrible and forgettable era. Thank you Santino 😎

[@AlexNH56]

Never would of guess this dude is laid back. Dam crazy dude super chill

[@GodsSoldier2]

I loved Santino dude! I was super bummed when he stopped showing up

[@BartyTardy]

Santino is hands down the greatest comedy act in wwe history. I miss his promos

[@thumbsthazephyr6728]

Just watched his debut and he killed it! Best acting in that ring.

[@krishutchins1056]

Chris, remember I was one of your OG subs and fans. Your channel is killing it and so are you. Love all of what you are doin man. I’d love to run beside you sometime and just converse. Blessings my man Kris

[@michiganjack1337]

Years ago he was on an episode of Talk is Jericho while in character and it was hilarious (naturally of course). Seek it out if you’ve never listened to it.

[@tanvirrahman2167]

He is so humble and thankful. Great personality

[@mobilefreelancer3831]

What a funny and amazing guy he was in WWE! This guy was too funny. WWE need someone like him again!

[@medicinemansworld6462]

He truly inspired me to perfect my power walk, and play the meanest air trombone in the tri-state area..... Only kidding.....in all seriousness I really enjoy him, and his in ring work, and he seems like a straight up nice guy.

[@PhillipGallant]

“Santino” is the nicest guy! He posed for a picture with me at the airport, and visited me in the hospital! I love the Santino!

[@Boy123Jim]

Santino's moment in the Elimination Chamber, was the blueprint for Kofi Kingston. Lol.

[@jray3058]

Damn now I want him to return as a dominant heel since I'm hearing his real voice for the 1st time.

[@RuanAntunes7]

And now Santino is the Director of Authority on Impact. How things have changed

[@HGPL11]

Such a breath of fresh air not hearing the accent. Great interview!

[@cry8964]

One of the few dudes who carried the pg era, remembered when he was the final two on 2012 elimination chamber, fans went wild

[@iblitztm4449]

I remember me and my brother went to a random Monday Night Raw and it was the episode where Santino stole Jerry Lawler's subway sandwich. Best moment of the show for me.

[@anthonydiaz8701]

Omg...hearing his real accent is so weird in a good way, finding out he is from Canada & he sounds so chill, relaxed.. i love him lol

[@ma70er]

When a I want a smile put on my face, I watch Tea Time with Santino, Kozlov & Seamus.

[@alltimetop10s72]

My favorite 😂😂

[@PhenomenalTeach11]

Honestly, Santino is the funniest wrestler ever. In WWE at least. Miss him on WWE. Wish he was back, doing whatever backstage or maybe manager or anything on tv. Though happy he is doing something he loves now and achieving lots with it. He deserves it. Can't wait to see him inducted in Hall of fame

[@scorptarget]

Great interview Chris! Favorited! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽😊

[@landodoesreviews3300]

I never liked Santino, but Anthony Carelli is cool. Good job on the interview Chris

[@ChrisVanVliet]

He’s very cool!

[@Ghost-jd1jl]

Growing up I was always bored when he'd come out but thinking about it now I was always entertained still. Albeit bored because I preferred the main event stories but he was very underrated and I would've loved him to turn around and ditch the act becoming a badass heel

[@ganya273]

love you santino still miss you

[@alltimetop10s72]

Santino and Seamus segments were funny AF

[@nicholasgonzalez6104]

Santino we love you... Who remembers eugene thooo ?

[@GABRIELA-ACEVEDO.]

Now you got me curious to see what Eugene is like in real life

[@noaharkeologist591]

Santino is absolutely hilarious. One of my favorite comic reliefs in WWE/WWF history.

[@JovanniPacasWorsham]

what if Santino got rid of the comedic gimmick, bulked up more, never retired and became this Canadian badass in the WWE.

[@GARawrlutte]

Happy American Thanksgiving from this Canadian guys!

[@bemaod]

I was in Milwaukee at the Elimination Chamber when Santino almost won the World Heavyweight Championship. I bought in really hard and was jumping around at my seat when he got that 2.5 count!

[@NickY918]

Your interview's are top notch keep pumping out these awesome interview's loving the material you put on this channel!

[@anesu4548]

This is my frist time hearing Santino speak without an accent. Whoa!!

[@NikoBerto]

They couldn't chose a better place for his debut in Milan crowd was crazy for him we italian really embraced him that night

[@longstarbobandy]

I’m from Toronto and met Santino at my first wrestling show at Roadblock which was Triple H Vs Ambrose for the title he was super nice such a stand up guy

[@Bbknuckles]

Santino was easily the funniest comedy wrestler, of all time! Name someone better.. I’ll wait.

[@cobweb.9052]

Orange Cassidy lol

[@cobweb.9052]

Or Joey Ryan

[@Bbknuckles]

COBWEB. Smack yourself I said better

[@Mpritchard1995]

Goldust is probably the best I believe

[@cobweb.9052]

Broccoli Rob lol I think they are better but I love santino too

[@ScottForget69]

Thank you for representing Canada I am also a Canadian I’ll live in a small town called Alexandria Ontario we are united Stormont Dundas and Glengarry 1 hour away from Ottawa thank you very much Mr. Santino Marella lol

[@ChrisVanVliet]

🇨🇦!

[@MrBlack252]

When he said his daughters name he said "Bianca" for a split second I thought he was going to say Bianca Bellair haha

[@keith23uk]

Santino Marellas character was so funny at Live events! Think he was against JBL who was an extreme heel picking up real heat from us. Great memories!

[@jeffersonmanchild9271]

Great interview! Miss seeing this guy in the ring.

[@Seldom-Seen]

Ultimate interviewer! I forgot you asked the question 11:19 “How your character become more of a comedic role” Good shit!!!