The Antonio Cesaro vs. Santino Marella US Title match, which took place on the SummerSlam pre-show, was originally considered for the main card. WWE felt that the match would help viewership on the pre-show due to the title change and went with that instead.
As noted earlier, WWE has mixed feelings on Cesaro and are going to see what happens with his current title run. If the crowd reacts to him, the push will continue. It’s basically considered “do or die” as far as his future with the company is concerned.
As far as Santino Marella goes, we can exclusively report that there is backstage heat on him for openly speaking out about his current frustrations with the company. We broke last week here on the site that there were plans for Santino to drop the title at SummerSlam. This also goes with what we’ve been reporting – mid-card talents are afraid to speak out for fear of losing their jobs or being “jobbed out” by the company. As was the case with JTG on RAW last week, this is another example of a talent speaking up and being “punished” as a result. While WWE encourages their talents to speak up and address their frustrations, they know exactly what happens when they do. It’s basically a no-win situation for them. This is also why nobody who was frustrated (there are a ton) spoke up during last week’s RAW meeting.
The **REAL REASON** Santino Marella Is So Pissed Off Right Now REVEALED (>>)!!
WWE RAW Notes: Gunther Addresses Him Taping Out John Cena in Cena’s Retirement Match, WWE Women’s Tag Titles Set for 1/5/26 RAW Show, LA Knight “Injury” Update, Austin Theory Reveals He’s Mystery Mask Man Helping The Vision, 12/22 Show Card
TNA Announces Full List of Competitors for TNA World Title #1 Contender 20-Man Battle Royal Match at 12/18 TNA Impact! Show
Various: Rob Van Dam Provides Update on His Double Heel Fracture Recovery & In-Ring Return Plans, Full Card for TJPW Tokyo Joshi Pro ’26 Event, Indies/Misc.
