We noted on Monday that there are mixed feelings within WWE regarding Antonio Cesaro. Cesaro reportedly has WWE officials “on the fence” regarding his long-term value to the company. Many within the company view him as a “now or never” talent and they’re hoping he has a breakout moment soon.
In an update on this, it was announced on RAW that Santino Marella will defend the US title on the SummerSlam pre-show against Cesaro. Many people expect Santino to drop the title to Cesaro on Sunday.
As we’ve been exclusively reporting via WZROnline.com, Santino is one of the current mid-card talents who is very frustrated these days and has been openly talking about it. He’s being paid a very low percentage of his merchandise sales and isn’t being given anything extra for the money the company makes off his YouTube.com show. By putting the title on Cesaro, it basically “punishes” Santino for complaining backstage and gives WWE the opportunity to see if Cesaro is going to work out or not. Basically, they’ll give him a run with the title and see how things go.
AEW Dynamite Ratings – Dec. 17, 2025 – Down
More on Botched Finish to NXT Women’s North American Title Match at 12/16 WWE NXT 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.
![WWE: Gunther on Goldberg Being "Way More Limited" Than John Cena For Their Retirement Matches, John Cena on His Heel Turn Moment at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025, [Spoiler] Current Main Roster Call-up Plans for Trick Williams](https://www.tpww.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gunther-John-Cena-540x304.jpg "WWE: Gunther on Goldberg Being \"Way More Limited\" Than John Cena For Their Retirement Matches, John Cena on His Heel Turn Moment at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025, [Spoiler] Current Main Roster Call-up Plans for Trick Williams")
