Santos Escobar Teams With Old Rival In NXT Return

Santos Escobar is the latest member of WWE’s main roster to make a surprise return to NXT.

Escobar teamed with former enemies Tony D’Angelo and Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo to defeat the Gallus faction of Mark Coffey, Joe Coffey and Wolfgang.

In the opening match of NXT’s Great American Bash, D’Angelo and Lorenzo would defeat Gallus to become the new Tag Team Champions. As The Family arrived for the August 1st episode, they were attacked by the British faction in the most dangerous location, the NXT parking lot.

As Tony D and “Stacks” were being examined by medical personnel, D’Angelo declared that he wanted to face all 3 members of Gallus. Lorenzo then pointed out that the match would put them at a 3 on 2 disadvantage, which prompted D’Angelo to make a call to “you know who.”

The mystery partner accepted the offer from D’Angelo, who was revealed to be LWO member Santos Escobar, who helped the Tag Team Champions secure the victory.

Santos Escobar Has History With NXT Tag Team Champions

Escobar and The Family have history that dates back to spring 2022. Following multiple fights and kidnappings, a match was set up between Escobar’s Legado Del Fantasma faction and The Family at In Your House. Per the stipulation of the match, Legado Del Fantasma had to join The Family following a loss to Tony D’Angelo’s group. On the Heatwave special episode in August, D’Angelo would defeat Escobar, banishing the leader of Legado Del Fantasma from the brand.

Escobar’s next scheduled match will take place on the August 11th edition of SmackDown, where the LWO member is set to face United States Champion Austin Theory with the title on the line.

Escobar was not the only LWO member to make a surprise appearance on Tuesday night, as WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio made an appearance via video tape to announce an in-person appearance in 7 days time.

Following a return to the main roster, Escobar revealed that he is not cleared to compete.