Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Santino Marella recently sat down for an interview to discuss his daughter, Arianna Grace’s, burgeoning career in WWE’s developmental brand, NXT. Arianna Grace, known for her pageant queen gimmick as “Miss NXT,” recently returned to in-ring action after an 11-month hiatus due to a torn ACL and meniscus.
During the interview with “Developmentally Speaking,” Marella expressed his pride in seeing his daughter featured regularly on NXT programming. He emphasized her gradual progression and hoped to see her transition to Raw or SmackDown’s main roster by 2025. Marella highlighted the importance of Arianna gaining more experience and matches to enhance her readiness for higher-profile opportunities, noting the significance of the perception of a superstar in the wrestling industry.
Arianna Grace’s journey to NXT began after signing with WWE in early 2022 following a successful four-year stint in the independent wrestling circuit. Despite facing setbacks due to injury, she has demonstrated resilience and determination. Notably, Arianna is the only woman to have competed in two consecutive NXT Women’s Breakout Tournaments in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Her performance in the 2023 tournament, where she reached the semi-finals after defeating Brinley Reece in the opening round, showcased her potential and resilience.
As Arianna Grace continues to make strides in NXT, her story inspires aspiring wrestlers, highlighting the perseverance required to succeed in the competitive world of professional wrestling. With the support of her family and the guidance of experienced mentors in WWE, Arianna is poised to make a significant impact in the industry as she works towards achieving her ultimate goals.
