Mike Santana Wants To Be The Next TNA Champion, NXT Debut, Slammiversary, Shawn Michaels, Sobriety

Aug 5, 2025

Mike Santana, a professional wrestler currently signed to TNA, shares insights from his remarkable career. He discusses his rapid return to TNA and his WWE debut in NXT, reflecting on his dreams of becoming a TNA World Champion. Santana opens up about his journey to sobriety and the pivotal role it plays in his life and career. He shares personal anecdotes about fatherhood, the challenges of reintegrating into everyday life after rehab, and the emotional impact of loss, emphasizing growth and gratitude throughout his experiences.

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ANECDOTE

Leaving Rehab's Harsh Reality

Santana describes leaving rehab as the scariest moment due to temptations.
He used a plan and mindset to resist triggers in familiar places and social settings.

INSIGHT

Anxiety Lives in Time Illusions

Santana highlights that anxiety stems from fixating on past or future.
He focuses on living in the present moment to reduce anxiety.

ANECDOTE

Quiet Growth Before Comeback

Santana made a promo vignette quickly but with impactful lines about success and greatness.
He hid from wrestling and social media to focus on personal growth before comeback.

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Mike Santana (@Santana_Proud) is a professional wrestler currently signed to TNA. He sits down with Chris Van Vliet in New York City to discuss his TNA return and how quickly it came together, not winning the World Championship at Slammiversary and speaking to the fans after, his WWE debut in NXT, getting to work with Shawn Michaels, his ultimate dream match, battling addiction, how close he came to signing with WWE back in 2019 and more!

Quote I'm thinking about: “Taking responsibility means never blaming anyone else for anything you are being, doing, having, or feeling.” – Susan Jeffers

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