WWE Reportedly Discussed Bringing Back Former United States Champion for Clash in Italy

WWE held conversations about bringing back a former United States and Intercontinental Champion for Sunday's Clash in Italy pay-per-view, according to a report.

Clash in Italy will take place at Inalpi Arena in Turin. There are five confirmed matches on the card, including four championship bouts. This will be the first WWE pay-per-view to take place in Italy.

According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, WWE creative pitched an idea "to have Santino Marella appear at Clash in Italy." However, it's unclear how far the discussions went and whether he'll show up in Turin.

Marella (real name Anthony Carelli) started in WWE's Ohio Valley Wrestling developmental territory in 2005. He debuted for WWE on the April 16, 2007, episode of Monday Night Raw in Milan.

In his first WWE tenure, Marella won two Intercontinental Championships and one United States title. Marella and Vladimir Kozlov also won the WWE Tag Team titles on one occasion.

WWE released Marella from his contract in 2016, though he's made a handful of appearances. He's currently the on-screen TNA Director of Authority for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.

The Five Confirmed Matches For Clash in Italy

WWE has confirmed five matches for Clash in Italy, though they could always add more during tomorrow's edition of SmackDown.

The confirmed matches are: Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther for the Undisputed WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight Championship, Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill for the WWE Women's Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi and Becky Lynch vs. Sol Ruca for the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 8:51 PM.