WWE NXT’s Cruz Montana Explains Decision To Leave TNA Wrestling

Published: Jul 29, 2026 by Sanchez Taylor | Last Updated: Jul 29, 2026 by Sanchez Taylor

Sanchez has over six years of pro-wrestling news writing experience, covering the biggest news stories in WWE, NXT, AEW, TNA Wrestling and more. He has personally interviewed a number of top stars, producing exclusive content with the likes of AEW's Swerve Strickland and WWE's Nick Aldis.

WWE NXT’s Cruz Montana Explains Decision To Leave TNA Wrestling

Cruz Montana – fka Mike Santana – has addressed his decision to leave TNA Wrestling and join WWE, following his recent NXT debut.

Following Montana losing the TNA World Championship to Nic Nemeth at Slammiversary, reports revealed that the former “Mike Santana” had finished up with the promotion.

Montana then made his first appearance as an official WWE star on the July 21 NXT episode, having a stare down with NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo.

Speaking on Busted Open following the July 28 episode, Cruz Montana opened up about his decision to depart TNA Wrestling for WWE.

Noting that he wanted to leave his comfort zone, Montana explained:

“Honestly, no it wasn’t. It wasn’t an easy decision because they’ve done so much for my career. Loyalty is a big thing for me. Where we come from, loyalty is everything.

“I felt like I had a responsibility, and honestly during my time there, I felt like myself and the company, grew together. One thing we’re always taught is, you do good business, and you always leave a place better than when you found it.

“I feel like I’ve done exactly that. Again, TNA was somewhere where I felt comfortable, and I didn’t want to feel comfortable anymore.

“It was hard because I loved that place. Genuine love for TNA, 100%. You’ve heard it countless times, that locker room is a special place. But like you said, I’m very goal-oriented, and I’m trying to grow as much as possible.”

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Montana found himself in the crosshairs of Grayson Waller during this week’s show, with Waller first firing shots on the mic, before later attacking him during a segment involving NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo.

The former Mike Santana shared a message for Grayson Waller following the show, click here to read more.

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