Mike Santana (Cruz Montana) Opens Up On Personal Origin Behind New WWE Ring Name

WWE

Mike Santana (Cruz Montana) has opened up on the personal origin behind his new WWE ring name following his NXT debut.

Last week on WWE NXT, former TNA World Champion Mike Santana made his official NXT debut following the Street Fight main event between Tony D’Angelo and Naraku.

Santana’s contract with TNA had expired the prior week, with him officially becoming a free agent, debuting for NXT less than a week later.

Mike Santana Confirms Cruz Montana Ring Name

Santana was not referred to by name by the announce team on television, which is usually an indicator that WWE will be changing a wrestler’s ring name.

Earlier today, it was noted that WWE had trademarked the ring name ‘Cruz Montana’ which many believed would be the new ring name for Santana following his debut.

In a video on social media later that day, Santana hyped up his NXT appearance tomorrow night, confirming his new ring name as Cruz Montana.

He said:

“Last week, I made my official debut on NXT and set the wrestling world on fire, all without saying a thing. But my actions let everyone know exactly what my sights were set on.

“But tomorrow night live, I put words behind those actions, and for the first time, you get to hear what Cruz Montana has to say, I’ll see you there.”

Cruz Montana Reveals Origin Of Ring Name

In another social media post today, Montana shared two photos of his first WWE photoshoot, as well as providing the personal backstory behind his new ring name.

Montana noted that the Cruz Montana ring name was a tribute to his late father, who he lost six years ago, which sent him on the spiral of addictions that he would eventually bounce back from.

He wrote:

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. LETS GET IT!

Cruz Montana is set to speak as an NXT star for the first time tomorrow night.

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• Mike Santana
• Cruz Montana
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