Add as a preferred source on Google Mike Santana will be known as Cruz Montana in WWE.
In a new social media video, Santana addressed the attention generated by his surprise arrival on NXT despite not speaking during the appearance. He then confirmed that the silence will end on Tuesday’s episode.
“For the first time, you get to hear what Cruz Montana has to say.”
Santana appeared after Tony D’Angelo retained the NXT Championship against Naraku in a Street Fight on July 21. He entered through the crowd and confronted D’Angelo, but neither the commentary team nor WWE’s broadcast graphics identified him as Mike Santana. WWE’s official results instead described him only as “a new Superstar” who appeared to challenge the hierarchy of NXT.
The presentation immediately stood out because WWE had previously used Santana’s established name during his appearances through the NXT-TNA partnership. He wrestled Tavion Heights and challenged Trick Williams for the TNA World Championship on NXT in 2025, while WWE continued referring to him as Mike Santana when he returned as TNA World Champion in March 2026.
WWE filed an application to trademark “Cruz Montana” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on July 24, three days after Santana’s appearance.
The filing covers wrestling exhibitions, television and online performances, fan clubs, newsletters and other sports entertainment services.