The wrestler formerly known as Mike Santana has confirmed his new WWE ring name as Cruz Montana. The change honors his late father and comes after his NXT debut last week.
Former TNA World Champion Mike Santana made his official WWE NXT debut on July 21 by appearing from the crowd at the Performance Center after NXT Champion Tony D'Angelo defeated Naraku in a Street Fight.
On July 27, Santana posted on X to confirm the name Cruz Montana and explain its origin. "A name I put together as a tribute to honor my late father," he wrote. "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."
WWE had filed a trademark for the name the previous Friday. Santana is scheduled to speak for the first time as Cruz Montana during the July 28 episode of NXT.
