Mike Santana Undergoes WWE Name Change, Inspiration For New Name Revealed

Mike Santana has undergone a name change within WWE, with the former TNA World Champion confirming that his new name will be Cruz Montana and it is a tribute to his late father.

"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!" Santana wrote on X/Twitter.

Mike Santana struggled with alcohol and drug addiction following the passing of his father and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Santana checked into a 30-day rehabilitation facility in early 2023 and he has been sober since February 16, 2023.

Mike Santana made his full-time WWE debut on the July 21 episode of WWE NXT, appearing through the crowd and staring down NXT Champion Tony D'Angelo following his successful title defence against NARAKU. Santana appeared with his TNA theme music, which referred to him as Santana, but the NXT commentary team did not refer to him as Mike Santana and just said he was a former TNA World Champion. A WWE video on Facebook later referred to Santana under that name, though, but that didn't stop a name change from happening.

The exact reason behind Mike Santana's name change is unknown beyond that wrestlers are often made to change their name so WWE can own the rights to the moniker. This includes former AEW wrestlers in Royce Keys, Blake Monroe, and Ricky Saints over the past 18 months, but another former TNA World Champion in Joe Hendry did not undergo a name change upon signing with WWE in 2025.