Santos Escobar has confirmed he will be sidelined for months following a torn tricep injury and has issued a direct challenge to Dr. Wagner Jr.’s mask upon his return. In a video segment with AAA, Escobar addressed his injury and set up his next target. The quotes below have been translated from Spanish by WWE.
“The reason I came to AAA, Wagner, is to show you what real Lucha Libre is,” Escobar said. “And to prove that you’re not on my level. And that your mask is not the most beautiful in Mexican Lucha Libre. What you did today is unforgivable. The medical report says I’ll be out for months, months. This is what I do to provide for my family, my legacy, and you messed with it.”
Escobar made clear that his return will carry significant stakes. “When I come back, because you better believe I’m coming back, I’m not just coming back for that title,” Escobar said. “This time, I’m coming back for what you value most, what you say is the most beautiful thing in Mexican Lucha Libre. Be careful what you wish for.”
Escobar competed in the AAA Rey de Reyes tournament final against La Parka, El Grande Americano Original, and El Grande Americano II just days before his injury was confirmed. Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. interfered in the match, causing Escobar to lose. According to FightfulSelect.com, Escobar sustained the torn tricep during an NXT house show tour around Royal Rumble weekend in January while working with Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. The injury worsened during his AAA Rey de Reyes appearance. Surgery was scheduled for Thursday, March 19.
In lucha libre tradition, a mask challenge carries significance. Masked wrestlers consider their masks a central part of their identity and legacy, making mask stipulations among the highest stakes in Mexican wrestling culture.
Escobar remains under WWE contract and has been working AAA dates as part of WWE’s partnership with the Mexican promotion. We wish him a speedy recovery.
Santos estará fuera por meses y cuando vuelva viene por el Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr… pic.twitter.com/pgEEhNNuN7
— Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (@luchalibreaaa) March 18, 2026
