On Friday, the Baltimore Sun published an interview with WWE star Santino Marella. He had some unfavorable things to say about TNA personality Jim Cornette, calling him a "loser" and an "insecure person." Marella relayed the story on Cornette slapping him after not reacting the way he wanted him to react to The Boogeyman at an Ohio Valley Wrestling show in the summer of 2005.

After telling the story, Marella made an "official challenge" to Cornette, challenging him to a cage match. Marella said, "But now that I'm in a position to challenge him to a cage match, I make an official challenge to Jim Cornette for the first time, right now, right here." The interviewer replied, "OK, we'll see if he answers." Marella then said, "Of course not. He's a coward, Kevin."

Ohio Valley Wrestling announcer Kenny Bolin, who's a good friend of Cornette, read Marella's comments to him. Courtesy of Bolin, Jim Cornette made the following statement concerning Marella's cage match challenge:

"I appreciate the offer but i would rather wait and have this match with some one who can actually draw money. I am long past the point in my career where i need to work with comedy JOB guys! isn't it funny that when i slapped him in the face 17 times in Louisville Ky. he was not too eager to fight then. but now safely hidden away in Canada at an AA meeting somewhere in Toronto protected by Jaques and Pierre, he suddenly wants a fight, But i am happy that i was able to make the Kid a name in the wrestling business since it doesn't look like he is going to do it for himself! Thanks.....but NO Thanks."