10 Jaw-Dropping Answers To Wrestling Open Challenges

2. Santino Marella Debuts

AJ Styles United States Champion
WWE

The “Milan Miracle” is one of the most underrated moments in Raw history.

Mr. McMahon issued an open challenge to any member of the roster willing to face his henchman Umaga for the Intercontinental Championship. After a couple minutes passed without an answer, an irritated McMahon offered anyone in the crowd the chance of a lifetime (or a chance to sign their death warrant). A man wearing a brown dress shirt, jeans and red sneakers in the front row waved his hand, and McMahon invited him into the ring.

The Italy crowd supported Santino Marella in his battle against the Samoan Bulldozer, which became No Holds Barred once McMahon worried that Marella was getting the better of his champion. Then Bobby Lashley interfered, blasting Umaga with a sick chair shot and a spear before dumping Santino on top for the pinfall.

From front row to Intercontinental Champion, Santino became the ultimate underdog story.

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Formerly the assistant editor of Wrestledelphia, John has joined the Muthaship at WhatCulture.