TNA’s Santino Marella has revealed the real reason behind his recent on-screen absence, announcing on Instagram that he underwent sleep apnea surgery that went successfully. The procedure appears to be the genuine medical situation behind his kayfabe suspension storyline on TNA Impact.
“Sleep apnea surgery was a success. In a couple weeks I’ll be sleeping properly for the first time in about 30 years. Better recovery, better blood oxygen levels, less brain fog, more energy, less inflammation, and lower cortisol levels to start,” Marella wrote, alongside a photo of himself with a bandage over his nose. “I feel like it’s gonna be a new lease on life. Sucks pretty bad at the moment, not gonna lie, but in a few days I should begin to see the benefits.”
Santino Marella’s Kayfabe TNA Suspension Appears Tied to His Real-Life Sleep Apnea Surgery Recovery
Marella had been serving as Director of Authority in TNA before being kayfabe suspended by Daria Rae on the Thursday Impact before Rebellion. The timing of the on-screen storyline and the real medical procedure appear directly connected, with TNA using the suspension angle to write Marella off television during his recovery period. His daughter Arianna Grace is the current TNA Knockouts World Champion and defended the title against Lei Ying Lee at Rebellion.