WWE: 5 Reasons Santino Marella Is the Perfect WWE Superstar

Santino Marella is a name that is guaranteed to spark conversation.

Fans either love him or hate him. But there never seems to be a lot of in between when it comes to the Unibrow Warrior. 

According to some, he's nothing more than a sideshow act, meant for comic relief. He's of no real value, they say, a mere speed bump on the way to the main event.

Those who love him, and they seem few in number, point to the fact that while he may not be Randy Orton, he is undeniably over. Despite his seemingly minimal contribution to the overall product, he has a great pop and gets fans stirred up every time he's in the ring.

I for one happen to believe that he is the perfect guy in the right company at the right time. 

Santino Marella is the perfect WWE Superstar, and here's why I think so.

5: The Cobra

Every good WWE Superstar needs a memorable finisher.  With the Cobra, Santino Marella has just that.

I am amazed at how much hate is thrown Santino's way because of this finisher. Explain to me how this move, which is often looked at as silly or ineffective, is any different from John Cena's Five knuckle Shuffle, or The People's Elbow by The Rock. Is it because Santino is the guy performing the move?

For me, that is simply not good enough.

John Cena's opponent is so hurt that he lies still on the mat as John signals the crowd the move is coming. Then John takes the time to bend down and taunt his opponent, bounces off the ropes, plays to the crowd again, and then drops a fist which barely makes contact. Suddenly the "injured" wrestler has enough strength to pull himself up to his feet and takes a renamed Death Valley Driver.

The Rock's opponent is so hurt that he lies still on the mat as Rocky signals the crowd the move is coming. Then Rock takes the time to play to the crowd, bounce off the ropes...twice...plays to the crowd a little more, and then drops an elbow that barely makes contact. Suddenly the "injured" wrestler has enough strength to pull himself up to his feet and takes a back bump.

And all of that is supposed to look legitimate?

At the very least, the case could be made that Santino's showboating is done while his opponent's back is turned, or while he is recovering from another move. The Cobra is a strike to a pressure point in the neck, which can bring a grown man to his knees if used effectively.

Yes, it's just another silly move done for the sake of the crowd. But, no one can argue that the Cobra is over, the fans anticipate it, and it's all Santino's.

4: His Gimmick

The best WWE Superstars have gimmicks that are all their own. If a worker is too much like anyone else, then he or she will not be remembered for very long at all.

Santino is not the kind of guy that will be forgotten anytime soon.

His look, his accent, his mannerisms in the ring, everything about him makes him stand out from the rest of the locker room. His portrayal of the lovable but ridiculously unaware buffoon is classic comedy at its finest. 

If his character were a Hollywood creation, he would be as funny as Jim Carrey or The Three Stooges.

Unfortunately, in the all too serious world of pro wrestling fandom, we often do not see what's right in front of us.

Santino's character is perfect, a Rated G gimmick in the PG era of WWE. A guaranteed hit with kids and fans who want a break from the usual testosterone filled promo, Santino provides a laugh at just the right time.

Santino Marella is very good at what he does, and what he does is very silly. 

This is another reason why it works.

3: His Interviews

WWE Superstars need to be good on the mic, it's part of the job description.

This is another way in which a guy can stand out from the rest in terms of originality and what he can bring to the table.

Santino happens to be great at it.

The way he mispronounces names, the well known cliches and catchphrases that Santino butchers at every turn, all in an effort to get a reaction from the crowd.

Instead of talking this one to death, I thought it best to just link up to a recent spot as an example.  This was Santino at his finest.

2: He Is the Underdog

Every WWE Superstar needs a hook, a way to be taken seriously as a threat every time he or she is in the ring.

One way often used for Rey Mysterio is the fact that virtually every time he steps through the ropes, he is automatically the underdog.

Everyone knows he's good in the ring, he's a veteran of many main event matches and a former World Champion. Yet, we are always reminded that almost every guy he faces is bigger, stronger and more dangerous than he is. 

This can also always be said of Santino Marella.

The focus on Santino as being WWE's resident clown is so strong that who would ever expect him to actually win a match? And, when he does win, he should be booed by fans who see that it's ridiculous for him to ever beat anyone because he is nothing more than a joke.  Right?

But the exact opposite happens, as every time Santino wins a match, which is quite often these days, fans pop like crazy.

No one looks at Santino as being a serious contender for any belt other than the tag belts, which are thought of as meaningless now.

But when he wins, fans young and old see a guy who is working hard to entertain the masses, and appreciate the fact that he is allowed the opportunity to go over. At some point, shouldn't that guy be allowed a chance at the WWE Championship?

A lot of people laughed at Mick Foley before he finally got his due.  Just saying.

1: He's Entertaining

WWE is different from any other pro wrestling promotion in history in that the number one focus is not strictly on the in ring action.  The No. 1 requirement of all WWE Superstars is that they be entertaining, everything else either comes later or does not come at all.

Santino Marella is over, he's successful, and he's just what WWE wants, because he's very entertaining.  He can keep a straight face like no other, while saying and doing the funniest things on the program.  He knows his character, and he plays it to the hilt.  He is in a league of his own.

But to be clear on another point, Santino can work.  No, he will probably never be mentioned in the same discussion as Ric Flair, Ricky Steamboat, or Dusty Rhodes, but no one can take away his ability to work a crowd and give them a moment to remember.

Santino Marella has accomplished what so many other guys in his shoes were never able to.  He found a way to get over, and he makes it work.  At the end of the day, despite what career path he may or may not be on, no one can ask for more than that.

John Cena may be the face of WWE, but Santino is the sense of humor.  And for me, that is just as important.