The future of former NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar is in question, as a new report from Fightful Select indicates that his current WWE contract is set to expire “very soon.” According to WWE sources cited in the report, it is not expected that Escobar will be re-signing with the company as of now, though it was implied that the two sides have had discussions about a potential extension. The news comes after Escobar has been absent from WWE television for a significant period and has been making a number of ominous posts on social media, leading to speculation about his status.
Escobar will depart WWE as of midnight, according to PWInsider.com. At that point, he will be a free agent and available to wrestle or sign anywhere he wishes. They were told his contract expires at the end of the day. It was added that “WWE made overtures to keep Escobar (including a higher contract offer) but he turned down the offer.”
Escobar’s last televised WWE match was in February of this year, and he has been used sparingly in the ring throughout 2025. His last in-ring appearance for the company was at a WWE Supershow live event in Mexico. His recent disappearance from television, combined with his cryptic social media activity, has left fans wondering about his creative direction and his future with the company.
Before signing with WWE, Santos Escobar had a long and decorated career in Mexico and on the American independent scene, wrestling under a mask as El Hijo del Fantasma. He was also a major star in the cult-favorite promotion Lucha Underground, where he was known as the sinister King Cuerno. He signed with WWE in 2019 and became the centerpiece of the NXT cruiserweight division, where he unmasked and formed the dominant Legado Del Fantasma faction. As the leader of the group, he held the NXT Cruiserweight Championship for over 300 days.
After being called up to the main roster, Legado Del Fantasma was eventually integrated into the reformed Latino World Order (LWO) alongside the legendary Rey Mysterio. This led to a high-profile feud that saw Escobar turn on his mentor, Mysterio, and reform Legado Del Fantasma as a heel faction. However, the group’s momentum has stalled in recent months, leading to Escobar’s current absence. If he does indeed leave WWE, the talented star is expected to be in high demand, with a potential return to AAA or CMLL in Mexico, or even a run in AEW, being distinct possibilities.
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