WWE: Former WWE Champion set for return after 6 years at Clash in Italy

It’s clear that WWE is pulling out all of the stops for Clash in Italy this weekend, and that could include the return of a popular former star.

Reports suggest that WWE is pushing for popular Italian star Santino Marella to make his return to the company as part of Clash in Italy. WrestleVotes are reporting via Fightful Select that there was an idea pitched for him to be part of the event.

While Santino Marella has been working for TNA under the WWE umbrella for a few years and has made several appearances on NXT, this would be the first time Marella has appeared as part of main roster programming since the 2020 Royal Rumble when he was Santina.

The pitch appears to be similar to when Carlito made an appearance as part of the main event of Backlash in Puerto Rico in 2023. This later led to Carlito being signed to the company for two years ahead of his release last year.

WWE has a stacked card planned for Clash in Italy

This will be the first-ever Premium Live Event in Italy, and it’s clear that the company wants to make a statement.

The event sold itself before Brock Lesnar made his return and challenged Oba Femi to one of the biggest rematches in history. Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu will do battle for the second time, but this time it will be in Tribal Combat.

Gunther will challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed Championship, whilst Rhea Ripley puts the Women’s World Championship on the line in another rematch from WrestleMania.

Becky Lynch will also be defending her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Sol Ruca in a rematch from Saturday Night’s Main Event last week, but this time the title will be on the line. This match remains up in the air at present as WWE attempts to clear Ruca since it was announced that she suffered an injury in her win over Lynch last weekend.

It was noted on RAW that she may not be healed in time for the match, but there’s a hope that she can battle Lynch one more time in Italy.