Santino Marella On NXT vs. TNA: We’re Not Going To Be Walked All Over

Santino Marella comments on the escalated tensions between WWE NXT Superstars and TNA Wrestlers.

TNA Wrestling and WWE have a collaborative relationship. Recently, on-screen conflicts between WWE and TNA wrestlers escalated as TNA invaded NXT on September 23. There are many former WWE Superstars now working for TNA, calling the promotion their home, as TNA has provided them with a second chance. One such wrestler is Santino Marella. Santino is currently the on-screen Director of Authority, and he’s determined not to let TNA be pushed around.

Speaking with Bill Pritchard of WrestleZone, Santino stated that TNA will continue fighting until they feel they have won this battle with WWE NXT. Moreover, they will continue fighting until it’s clear they are not just a secondary brand.

“I’ll tell you when things changed. It was fun, a win–win situation having our talent go there, having their talent come here,” Santino said. “But all of a sudden, when they had two of our top titles, the atmosphere backstage changed a little bit. I think we kind of decided we have to take it into our own hands. We’re not going to be walked all over. We’re not the secondary brand.

“When it comes to money and television exposure, that’s one thing,” he noted. “When it comes to actual in-ring talent, we’re not the secondary brand—and we’re not going to be portrayed like that. So yeah, we did what we had to do, and we’re going to continue to do what we have to do until we feel like we’re the victors in this.”

Santino believes that TNA will be the number two wrestling company once they get a better TV deal. Read more here.

Fans can learn more about the working relationship between WWE and TNA here.