Add as a preferred source on Google Santos Escobar has officially closed the WWE chapter of his career, and he already has a new name to go with it. The Mexican wrestler will now perform as Romeo Malverde.
The reveal came on Friday, July 24, in a video in which the former Legado Del Fantasma member holds a funeral of sorts for the Santos Escobar character. He also changed the display name on his social media accounts.
“Renovation through expiration. Hasta siempre emperador Santos. BIENVENIDO ROMEO MALVERDE.”
The change came right after the end of the 90-day period tied to his WWE release, which took place on April 24. Malverde is now free to negotiate, sign a contract and appear for any other company.
Former WWE star Santos Escobar has confirmed his new ring name following his free agency:
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) July 24, 2026
Romeo Malverde pic.twitter.com/GonDOrBbTM
The new surname appears to be a nod to Jesús Malverde, a folk figure from Sinaloa known as the “angel of the poor.” The legend casts him as a kind of Mexican Robin Hood, though his existence has never been proven historically. The choice points to a gimmick of his own that leans heavily on Mexican culture.
Romeo Malverde will be the first completely new identity the wrestler has used since 2020. That year, he took off the El Hijo Del Fantasma mask on WWE NXT and revealed himself as Santos Escobar. Before that, he was also known as King Cuerno in Lucha Underground.
Even with the contractual freedom, there is no confirmation yet on when he will be able to get back in the ring. His last match came on March 14 in the AAA Rey de Reyes final, before he underwent surgeries on his triceps and ulnar nerve.
His first public appearance in this new phase comes at San Diego Comic-Con, with autograph sessions on July 24 and 25.