Jim Ross has known Cruz Montana for years, and he thinks WWE has got itself a good one.
Asked on the latest Grilling JR about the former Mike Santana, who has joined WWE under the new name, Ross did not hold back.
“Oh, I like him a lot. I think they made a good hire. He’s a good guy, fundamentally sound as hell. But the thing he has that you can’t measure is passion. He’s got a lot of passion. He’s self motivated. He’s living his dream.”
“He’s a good hand. Depending on how he’s booked and what kind of creative he’s saddled with, he’s got a chance to really be special. His heritage is a positive. He’s physical. He’s a good athlete.”
Ross said the two spent a lot of time together during Montana’s AEW run.
“I really wish him well. He’s a good guy, and he deserves success. He’s totally paid the price, and he’s just a good dude, man. He’s one of those kind of guys you hope good things happen for.”
On the TNA statement
Montana explained his decision to leave TNA this week, saying loyalty mattered to him, that he loves the company, and that he left because he no longer wanted to feel comfortable.
“And he meant every word of it. He takes as much pride in being a father as he does being a main event wrestler. He’s a good dude, and I hope nothing for the best for him.”
Then came the advice, which Ross has given publicly to plenty of young talent over the years.
“Save your money, kid. Save your money. Remember, you can’t spend more than you make. Nobody can, especially wrestlers, who judge their success sometimes on how many real Lexus they have or what kind of car they drive.”
Montana debuted under the name on NXT this week and has said he intends to be the next NXT Champion. He is a two-time TNA World Champion and spent five years in AEW before that.
