10 Weirdest Ways To Earn A Wrestling Title Shot
5. Be Italian
"We are global entertainers. Professionally trained athletes. WWE Superstars. But we are not invincible. When we step into that ring, we take real risks and endure unimaginable pain. Broken bones. Torn muscles. Dislocations. Separations. Be smart. Be safe. Don't try this at home."
Unless you are Santino Marella, who was introduced in kayfabe as a plucky, lucky fan and not a professionally trained athlete. WWE allowed - encouraged - him to step foot into the ring, even if as a total novice there was a considerable chance that he might rupture a disc...that...fragmented..into his...spinal column.
On the April 16, 2007 RAW, Mr. McMahon offered an open challenge on behalf of Umaga. Nobody in the back fancied a crack at his Intercontinental Championship, and so the evil owner sounded out the audience. What's interesting in hindsight is that McMahon offered out a "little kid in a red-striped shirt" as a heel bit.
Jim Ross on commentary said, in response, "Aw, come on. It'll take 11 years for the product to get that sh*tty!"
Santino Marella stepped up, signed a hold harmless agreement, and showed enough babyface fire to frighten McMahon into adding a No Holds Barred stip, leading to Bobby Lashley assisting the popular, shock victory.