Arianna Grace’s NXT Journey: Santino Marella’s Perspective
After enduring an 11-month hiatus due to a severe ACL and meniscus injury, Arianna Grace made a triumphant return to the WWE NXT ring in September 2023. Embracing her “Miss NXT” persona, she seamlessly re-entered the NXT scene, captivating audiences with her pageant queen gimmick.
In a recent interview with “Developmentally Speaking,” Santino Marella, former WWE Intercontinental Champion and proud father of Arianna Grace, expressed his excitement about her WWE journey. Marella shared his pride, stating, “She’s already a regular feature on NXT each week and she’ll only continue to grow.”
Marella also shared his aspirations for Arianna’s future, envisioning a potential move to the main WWE roster by 2025. He emphasized the importance of gaining more in-ring experience and matches, highlighting her potential to become a superstar.
Arianna’s path to NXT wasn’t without its challenges. After a successful four-year tenure in the independent wrestling circuit, she signed with WWE in early 2022. However, a debilitating knee injury sidelined her for nearly a year. Despite this setback, Arianna’s determination remained unwavering.
Arianna’s accomplishments include being the only woman to compete in two consecutive NXT Women’s Breakout Tournaments in 2022 and 2023. In 2023, she reached the semi-finals, defeating tough opponents like Brinley Reece.
With each performance, Arianna Grace continues to solidify her status as a rising star in NXT. Her journey exemplifies resilience and determination, inspiring fans worldwide. With her father Santino Marella by her side, Arianna’s future in WWE looks promising, with endless opportunities awaiting her in the ring.
