Former AEW Wrestler To Make WWE In-Ring Debut
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Mike Santana made a surprise WWE debut appearance at the NXT Battleground premium live event on Sunday, May 25, 2025. This signals a new chapter for the acclaimed wrestler, who is now set for his first-ever match on WWE television.
It was reported earlier on the day of the show that Santana was present backstage, and he appeared in an interview segment.
During the NXT Battleground broadcast, Santana was being interviewed by Sarah Schreiber when the No Quarter Catch Crew confronted him. This led to a heated argument, particularly with Tavion Heights, culminating in a challenge being issued and accepted.
As a result, it was announced that Santana will face Heights in his "first ever match on WWE television" on the upcoming week's episode of NXT.
Santana's journey to WWE has been noteworthy. He initially rose to up the ranks in AEW as one-half of the popular tag team Proud N' Powerful alongside Ortiz, debuting with the company in August 2019 as part of Chris Jericho's Inner Circle.
During his AEW tenure, Santana participated in numerous high-profile feuds and notable matches, including Stadium Stampede and Blood & Guts, before an ACL injury in June 2022 sidelined him for an extended period.
Upon his return in 2023, he embarked on a singles run before his AEW contract reportedly expired in early 2024, leading to his departure.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE...
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. More
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
Following his AEW exit, Santana significantly impacted the independent circuit and notably returned to TNA Wrestling. In TNA, he quickly re-established himself as star, even recently having a backstage encounter with Trick Williams on TNA iMPACT!, teasing a potential future program there.
Santana's appearance at an NXT event occurs amidst an unprecedented working relationship between WWE and TNA Wrestling.
This collaboration has seen former TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace compete in the WWE Women's Royal Rumble and challenge for the NXT Women's Championship, and former TNA World Champion Joe Hendry defended his title at NXT Battleground. Tatum Paxley from NXT also appeared on TNA programming.
This "forbidden door" activity has created considerable buzz, with Santana's arrival in NXT further fueling speculation about the depth and future of this inter-promotional synergy. It will be interesting to see if he gets more chances in WWE to shine.
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