On June 17, 2017, Marella announced that he would come out of retirement for one last match for Destiny World Wrestling, which operates out of his Battle Arts Academy facilities, on August 27. Marella had announced that he would be teaming up with Alberto El Patrón against RJ City and Stone Rockwell. In light of El Patron's legal troubles, he was announced to be replaced in the match by Chavo Guerrero Jr. After the match, Marella formally announced the end of his in-ring career. On November 5, 2017, he appeared in the audience for Impact Wrestling's Bound for Glory event. Carelli still collaborating with Impact Wrestling, co-hosting the program "Behind the Lights" on Twitch. On July 23, 2018, he appeared at an Impact Wrestling TV taping, in the corner of Dustin Quicksilver (representing his Battle Arts Academy). Quicksilver lost to Austin Aries after Carelli threw in the towel on his behalf. Following this he got in a confrontation with Aries, resulting in Carelli hitting Aries with a low blow. In July 2019, Marella returned to the ring at a Battle Arts Academy show, wrestling in a MMA inspired gimmick. On July 22, 2019, Marella appeared at the Raw Reunion show in a backstage skit. Carelli would make a surprise appearance during the 2020 women's Royal Rumble match under his character of Santina Marella, where he entered at 29, becoming the first male to enter a Women's Royal Rumble match before shenanigans ensued when he eliminated himself via "The Cobra" after being startled and intimidated by Natalya and Beth Phoenix. On 14 September 2019, he appeared live in Josh Barnett's Bloodsport II as himself, Anthony Carelli.