9 Wrestlers Who Won Titles On Their Debuts

7. Santino Marella (WWE Intercontinental Championship)

JON moxley United States
WWE

So fearsome was WWE's Intercontinental Champion Umaga, that during a special episode of Raw filmed in Italy, not a single member of the roster was prepared to answer the Samoan Bulldozer's open challenge.

Disappointed that none of his craven roster were prepared to come out and earn their corn, a recently balded and ludicrously behatted Vince McMahon instead turned to the Milanese crowd for a would-be contender. Step forth apparent punter Santino Marella, who, with more than a little assistance from Umaga's nemesis Bobby Lashley, overcame the odds to capture the title in his first ever wrestling match.

Obviously, the whole hometown hero story was a hoax; Santino had been on WWE's books for two years at that point, trading OVW's Television title with the likes of Tye Dillinger. The instant Intercontinental Championship win was probably a reward for giving WWE an excuse to fire Jim Cornette, after the veteran manager slapped Santino silly for laughing at The Boogeyman's schtick in Ohio. We weren't laughing once Santino turned into a comedy wrestler himself.

 
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Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.