Ex-AEW Star Officially Confirms New Name In WWE, Reveals Reason
A former AEW star revealed his new name after his WWE move. He also revealed the reason behind the new name.
The ex-AEW star, Mike Santana made his official WWE move, as he showed up on NXT after the main event last week. He first gained prominence during his time in All Elite Wrestling from 2019 to 2024. Santana also had a great run in TNA with two World title reigns until his recent departure from the company.
Meanwhile, Mike Santana has adopted a new ring name following his move to the WWE. Santana will now be called “Cruz Montana” after joining the NXT roster. While there were mixed reactions to Santana’s new name, the 35-year-old star explained the thought behind it.
The erstwhile Mike Santana took to the X social media platform to explain that his new name, “Cruz Montana,” is a tribute to honor his late father, who sadly passed away six years ago:
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
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… pic.twitter.com/idROguLV3W
— Cruz MONTANA🇵🇷 (@Santana_Proud) July 27, 2026
AJ Styles on the ex-AEW star joining the WWE
Speaking on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, AJ Styles disclosed that he was backstage on NXT last week when the ex-AEW star, Mike Santana showed up. Styles revealed his conversation with Santana, where he discovered that he has officially joined the WWE:
The thing is, Mike came out at the end of the match, where Tony is holding up the heavyweight championship. Mike comes to the back, I said, ‘What’s up bro? Good to see you. I hope you’re doing well. Where are we doing this? We’re doing this in TNA? Are we doing this here in NXT?’ He goes, ‘No dude, you don’t understand. I’m here now.’ I was like, ‘Oh wow. We got you.’”
The Phenomenal One is also looking forward to what’s next for Cruz Montana after his WWE move:
So it was pretty cool man. I’m looking forward to seeing what he’s going to do next,” Styles said.
Cruz Montana had confronted the current NXT Champion, Tony D’Angelo, during his appearance last Tuesday. Only time will tell what’s next for him.
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