Mike Santana says he left TNA Wrestling because he had stopped finding it difficult.
The two-time TNA World Champion is now in WWE, wrestling as Cruz Montana. Speaking on Busted Open After Dark, he said the decision took some working through.
“It wasn’t an easy decision. They’ve done so much for me in my career, and loyalty is a big thing for me. Loyalty is everything. During my time there, the company and I grew together. One thing we’re always taught is you do good business, and you always leave a place better than what you found it. I felt like I did exactly that. TNA was somewhere where I felt comfortable. I didn’t want to feel comfortable anymore.”
He said the move is about where he wants to end up rather than any problem with where he was.
“I love that place. Genuine love for TNA. That locker room is a special place. I’m very goal-oriented, and I’m trying to grow as much as possible. This is a very nomadic sport. You have to move around. It’s been done since the beginning of time. I’m gonna do what I have to do. I’m going to keep growing. I want to make sure my daughter is set for life, and she never has a worry a day in her life. I’m so thankful I’ve been able to do this at a high level for so long and still be a present father.”
From Slammiversary to the Performance Center
Santana, 35, joined TNA in 2024 after leaving AEW and became one of the promotion’s top singles acts, winning the world title twice. He dropped it to Nic Nemeth at Slammiversary on June 28 in Boston, and his contract expired in the weeks that followed.
He turned up on NXT on July 21, confronting NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo after D’Angelo’s title defence against Naraku. The commentary team pointedly avoided using his name, and WWE filed a trademark for “Cruz Montana” three days later.
The name
Santana confirmed the new name himself, and explained where it came from in a post on X.
“CRUZ MONTANA. A name I put together as a tribute to honor my late father. Who I’ve always made sure to keep as close as possible to my journey. Losing him 6 years ago, is what sent me on the spiral that I’d eventually rise from, to become the man you see today. And today, that man ADDICTED TO GREATNESS. Here’s to this next chapter.”
What he has walked into
Montana made his first appearance under the name on Tuesday’s NXT from the Performance Center, cutting a promo about the mistakes he has made and the points at which he thought his career was finished, and saying he intends to be the next NXT Champion.
Grayson Waller had opened the same show by mocking the name change and dismissing Montana’s TNA run. D’Angelo came out during Montana’s promo to tell him he would never be champion, and Waller attacked both men from behind. Montana went after Waller, missed, and took out D’Angelo instead. The show closed with the three of them in a standoff.
