Santino Marella

In a sport where men are expected to be macho and stoic, Santino Marella is an anomaly. A Canadian wrestling sensation with a penchant for comedy, martial arts, and...well, more comedy. This 6-foot-0-inch, 233-pound gentle giant has carved out a unique niche in the world of professional wrestling.

Born Anthony John Carelli in Mississauga, Ontario in 1979, Marella's journey to becoming Santino Marella began with a stint in the Canadian wrestling scene before making his way to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). It was there that he honed his craft, developing a style that blended comedy and gimmickry with legitimate martial arts skills.

Marella's ring persona is equal parts lovable goofball and formidable fighter. He's like a pro wrestling equivalent of Jim Carrey in "Ace Ventura" – minus the mustache. His signature moves include The Cobra (a variation of the armbar), Triangle Choke, Wheel Of Steel (a spinning slam that's as entertaining to watch as it is painful-sounding), and Hip Toss.

But what sets Marella apart from other wrestlers is his versatility. Not only can he get a laugh out of the crowd with his over-the-top antics, but he's also a skilled martial artist with a background in Judo. This unique combination of comedy and combat skills has earned him the nickname "The Milan Miracle" – because, why not?

When Marella isn't body-slamming opponents or doing impressions of Arnold Schwarzenegger, he's also an accomplished promoter and trainer. He's worked behind the scenes to help develop up-and-coming talent, proving that his influence extends far beyond the ring.

In a sport where egos can be as inflated as the wrestlers themselves, Marella is an outlier – a kind-hearted, joke-telling, martial arts-practicing anomaly who has managed to carve out a successful career on his own terms. And that, dear readers, is nothing short of miraculous.