Mike Santana Set for WWE NXT Debut after Surprising Battleground Appearance

TULSA, Oklahoma — Mike Santana made a surprise appearance at the WWE NXT Battleground event on Sunday, May 25, 2025, marking a new chapter in his wrestling career. The former AEW star, now signed with TNA Wrestling, is set to make his WWE in-ring debut in the coming days.

Santana was spotted backstage during the NXT Battleground event and participated in an interview segment with Sarah Schreiber. The interaction quickly escalated when the No Quarter Catch Crew confronted him, leading to a heated exchange with Tavion Heights. The confrontation culminated in a match challenge, which Santana accepted.

It was announced that Santana will face Heights in his “first ever match on WWE television” during the May 27 episode of NXT. Santana, known for his time as part of the Proud N' Powerful tag team alongside Ortiz in AEW, is eager to showcase his skills on a larger platform.

The wrestler’s journey to WWE has not been without its trials. He debuted in AEW in August 2019 as a member of Chris Jericho‘s Inner Circle. His tenure there included significant feuds and matches, but an ACL injury in June 2022 sidelined him for a long time. After his AEW contract expired in early 2024, he moved on to the independent circuit and made notable appearances in TNA Wrestling.

Since joining TNA, Santana has re-established himself as a star and even hinted at future programs with Trick Williams during a backstage encounter. His WWE debut comes amid a unique partnership between WWE and TNA, which has allowed crossover moments such as Jordynne Grace competing in the WWE Women’s Royal Rumble.

The potential for inter-promotional synergy has fans buzzing, and Santana’s debut in WWE only adds to the excitement surrounding these collaborations. As he prepares for his match against Heights, Santana expressed his readiness to impress the WWE audience with a tweet ahead of the show: “THIS IS WILD. I’m taking @TavionHeights and #WWENXT on a walk through where I come from… BIG BX IN THE BUILDING!”

The wrestling community is eager to see how Santana’s performance on May 27 will unfold as he looks to make a significant impact in WWE.