Mike Santana is not only focused on capturing the TNA World Championship from Trick Williams on the upcoming Tuesday edition of NXT, but he also has a grand vision for how he’d like to celebrate the victory: by proudly displaying the title at the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. The idea was floated by “Busted Open” podcast host Dave LaGreca, and Santana enthusiastically embraced it.
During Santana’s interview on the show, LaGreca proposed a powerful visual, “Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. See Mike Santana holding that TNA World Championship at the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. What do you think?” This parade is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2025, just days after his title opportunity.
Santana, who proudly represents his heritage and is from the Bronx, immediately latched onto the suggestion. “Listen, I better have my own convertible. I’m going to be standing in the back of that waving the biggest flag in the world, carrying the TNA World title. Man, what great a moment could I ask for,” he responded with passion. LaGreca urged TNA to make it happen, calling it a potentially “cool of a moment.”
Santana highlighted the importance of his roots and authenticity. “People would ask me, like, hey, you know? Like, you really from the Bronx? You really from New York? And I’m like, yeah… I’m outside. I’m from the Bronx, New York. I could go on my balcony right now and show you the Grand Concourse,” he shared. “And again, like, a lot of people are playing a character, I’m myself, bro and I’m thankful also, I’m thankful that I’ve been able to get this far in my career, not having to conform to anything or anybody, and being myself.”
He added that WWE was “so respectful of my authenticity” during his recent NXT appearance, which meant a lot to him. The potential parade appearance would be a powerful symbol of his identity, his championship aspirations, and his connection to his community, should he defeat Trick Williams for the TNA World Title. Santana made it clear he is driven by his family, his culture, and the TNA locker room, stating, “I do this for me, for my family, my culture, for that TNA locker room.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Busted Open Radio with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
