:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11604959/this_date-in-history-timeline.0.png)
WWE funny guy Santino Marella, won the Intercontinental Championship in his Raw debut on this date in WWE history on April 16, 2007.
The manner in which the company chose to introduce him was simple but effective. Vince McMahon had introduced Umaga and issued an open challenge for a title match right then and there. When no one from the back answered the call, McMahon turned to the fans in Milan, Italy, and just so happened to pick Santino, who was "planted" in the front row.
Marella answered the call and, with the help of Bobby Lashley, pulled off the upset to win the belt in his Raw debut. He's been charming fans everywhere ever since.
The best part of the entire segment undoubtedly came when the crowd broke out in soccer chants to which Vince wondered aloud, "What the hell does that mean?" His follow up order for everyone to "SHUT UP" was the icing on the cake.
____________________________________
And now, from the desk of our Assistant to the GM & CSS Senior Editor; for your viewing pleasure we bring to you, additional posts dusted off from the --
16 - APRIL
CSS ARCHIVES
16 April 2012
- WWE Raw results and live blog for April 16: CM Punk vs Mark Henry by Geno Mrosko Apr 16, 2012 8:00 PM CDT - 899 comments
- Mike Mooneyham details Scott Hall's history of domestic abuse by Keith Harris Apr 16, 2012 6:41 PM CDT - 4 comments
- Brock Lesnar returns to WWE: Scott Steiner, Diamond Dallas Page and others give their thoughts by Sergio Hernandez Apr 16, 2012 6:00 PM CDT - 1 comment
- The Indie Corner: Beyond Wrestling's Crises Precipitate Change Review by Thomas Holzerman Apr 16, 2012 5:00 PM CDT - 1 comment
- Brock Lesnar's new WWE ring attire looks a whole lot like his UFC gear by Geno Mrosko Apr 16, 2012 4:06 PM CDT - 33 comments
- Video: The latest CHIKARA Podcast-A-Go-Go featuring Eddie Kingston, UltraMantis Black and Colt Cabana by Sergio Hernandez Apr 16, 2012 3:00 PM CDT - 2 comments
- Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena match stipulation announced: Extreme Rules by Geno Mrosko Apr 16, 2012 2:30 PM CDT - 8 comments
- WWE reports WrestleMania 28 did 1.3 million buys on pay-per-view, breaking the record for most all time by Geno Mrosko Apr 16, 2012 1:47 PM CDT - 27 comments
- Video: Hulk Hogan cuts promo for Philadelphia Flyers during Pittsburgh Penguins NHL playoff game by Geno Mrosko Apr 16, 2012 12:00 PM CDT - 6 comments
- TNA Lockdown results and reactions from last night (April 15): A hero is denied justice by Sergio Hernandez Apr 16, 2012 7:01 AM CDT - 12 comments
16 April 2011
- Our apologies Cagesiders, former site management in 2011 opted not to post anything to the site on this date.
16 April 2010
- Irv Muchnick trying to embarrass Dave Meltzer into action - it won't work and I think he knows it by Keith Harris Apr 16, 2010 3:21 PM CDT