Santino Marella Vows to ‘Mangle’ Robert Stone If His Back Holds Up at TNA Against All Odds

Santino Marella isn’t stepping back in the ring just for the nostalgia—he’s stepping in with a purpose.

During the June 6, 2025 episode of Busted Open Radio, the former WWE veteran revealed his mindset heading into his match against Robert Stone and didn’t hold back when asked how he’s feeling physically and emotionally ahead of the bout.

After dealing with a recent back flare-up, Santino acknowledged the pain could be a factor—but if it’s manageable, he’s coming at Stone with everything he’s got.

“If my back and the inflammation is good, I will mangle him. I will actually make an example out of him.”

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The only thing slowing him down is the unpredictable nature of the injury.

“If that inflammation and that pain is not there, then I’m not really concerned about what he’s going to bring to the table.”

But this match goes far beyond titles or bragging rights. For Santino, it’s about impact.

“It’s bigger than a title… This is for a much larger impact—on the industry, on people’s lives, and the programming. I need to deliver.”

That personal pressure stems from what happened during his last match—a loss in his hometown while tagging with his daughter, with his parents watching live.

“It was tough, man… To do it so close to home and to have my parents there—I don’t know if those stars are ever going to line up again.”

That disappointment has stayed with him—and it might be the fuel he needs.

“Maybe that’s why I’m pissed off. Maybe that’s why I’ve been training extra hard.”

Santino isn’t just battling his opponent. He’s fighting to reclaim pride, to prove he can still deliver under pressure, and to show that there’s more to his story than comic relief or nostalgia.

TNA is on a roll right now, and that momentum is set to carry into tonight’s Against All Odds event. With several major matches lined up, fans can look forward to an action-packed night with huge implications.

Here’s what’s on tap for Against All Odds 2025:

• TNA World Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Elijah
  After retaining his title against Mike Santana with help from AJ Francis and KC Navarro, Trick Williams defends the gold against Elijah, who’s coming in with something to prove.
• Knockouts Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs. Lei Ying Lee
  Masha Slamovich faces her toughest challenge yet as she takes on Lei Ying Lee in what’s expected to be a brutal fight.
• Winner Becomes TNA Director of Authority and Loser Leaves TNA: Santino Marella vs. Robert Stone
  The pressure couldn’t be higher. One leaves with power. One leaves for good.
• TNA Tag Team Championship: The Nemeth Brothers (c) vs. The Rascalz
  Nic and Ryan Nemeth defend against the high-flying Rascalz duo of Zachary Wentz and Trey Miguel.
• TNA International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs. Mance Warner
  Maclin must survive a chaotic clash with the always unpredictable Mance Warner.
• Mike Santana in the First Class Lounge
  Following the controversial finish to his title match, Mike Santana will confront AJ Francis and KC Navarro in what could be a powder keg moment.
• The System vs. The Hardys, Leon Slater & Mystery Partner
  Moose, Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers, and JDC battle Matt and Jeff Hardy, Leon Slater, and one yet-to-be-named teammate.
• Joe Hendry vs. Frankie Kazarian
  Two strong personalities, one ring. Expect it to get personal.
• Mustafa Ali vs. Jason Hotch
  A chance for Ali to climb higher with a statement win.
• The Elegance Brand vs. Xia Brookside, Myla Grace & Harley Hudson (Preshow)
  Six-woman tag action to kick off the night with style and fire.

Be sure to tune in live and follow along with Ringside News for full play-by-play coverage of the event.

Can Santino push through the pain and make good on his promise to dominate? Or will Robert Stone pull off the upset while the veteran fights against more than just the man across the ring? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know who you’re backing in this emotional showdown.