Add as a preferred source on Google Romeo Malverde, formerly known as Santos Escobar, opened up about his decision to start a new chapter of his career without going back to El Hijo del Fantasma as his primary character.
The wrestler announced the new name on Friday, July 24, a day after his 90-day non-compete clause with WWE expired.
Speaking with Soto619 Wrestling at San Diego Comic-Con, he said El Hijo del Fantasma never stopped being part of his identity, even during the King Cuerno and Santos Escobar phases.
“The new character, which I just announced on social media, is Romeo Malverde. For all the people out there who wanted me to go back to El Hijo del Fantasma—that has never left. If you’ve seen me everywhere I’ve gone and everything I’ve done, it’s always been embedded in my DNA. That’s why Santos Escobar was a hit. That’s why King Cuerno was a hit. That’s why El Hijo del Fantasma is still a hit if I want it to be. This business is about telling stories and putting smiles on people’s faces, not holding on to the past. It’s about creating new paths and opportunities. I gave everything, and it was all taken. Now it’s about new beginnings and reinvention.”
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 comments came during one of his first public appearances since the contractual restriction ended. Interestingly, the Comic-Con schedule still listed him as El Hijo del Fantasma.
Malverde had re-signed with WWE in October 2025, just days after his previous contract expired, and returned to the ring for AAA in January. He was released on April 24, however, during the wave of cuts that followed WrestleMania 42.
His last match came on March 14, in the Rey de Reyes tournament final. He suffered a triceps injury in that match, underwent surgery, and needed a second procedure in April because of an ulnar nerve issue.