{"id":148507,"date":"2025-12-20T07:00:40","date_gmt":"2025-12-20T12:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=148507"},"modified":"2025-12-19T21:02:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-20T02:02:10","slug":"from-tna-slammiversary-to-tna-bound-for-glory-an-inspiring-and-inspired-mike-santana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2025\/12\/20\/from-tna-slammiversary-to-tna-bound-for-glory-an-inspiring-and-inspired-mike-santana\/","title":{"rendered":"From TNA Slammiversary to TNA Bound For Glory, An Inspiring And Inspired Mike Santana"},"content":{"rendered":"

At TNA Slammiversary 2025<\/a><\/span>, Mike Santana<\/a><\/span> came up short. Trick Williams retained the TNA World Championship against Santana and Joe Hendry. At TNA Bound for Glory 2025<\/a><\/span>, one-on-one, Santana defeated Williams and became the first Puerto Rican World Champion<\/a><\/span> in TNA history.<\/p>\n

TNA Wrestling recently put online a 2-part “Immersed” documentary on Mike Santana (to watch here<\/a> <\/span>and here<\/a><\/span>). More than a road to the TNA World Championship, it is a path from being inspired to becoming an inspiration. Not only for his daughter Ariana, but for the TNA locker room, the Puerto Rican community, and the fans around the world.<\/p>\n

Being Inspired by Legends<\/h2>\n

Mike Santana pays tribute to Amazing Red, the first TNA X-Division Champion.<\/p>\n

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“Yesterday, he mentioned something that was like an eye-opener for me. It’s always about the journey. The destination, or a belt, or the belt and all that stuff, is just the icing. The journey is what people remember the most. And I’ve taken everyone on this journey.”<\/em><\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Red later says,<\/p>\n

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“Mike’s biggest thing that he will always tell me is that he wanted to pick up the pieces, do this for the culture and family he has. Me, SAT, Homicide, Low Ki, and I love that. He always comes back, calls, and writes us. We always hang out. And he’s like, this is my biggest motivation, to do this for you, guys.”<\/em><\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n

“You Earned Your Way Here”<\/h2>\n

His late father left him a message that remains special to him: ” I just wanted to reiterate how proud of you I am, and I really do hope you get that moment in the ring. Remember those three things. You earned your way there. You deserve to be there, and, more importantly, you belong there. I’m glad we’re all going to be there as a family to celebrate that.”<\/p>\n

His wrestling mentor, Konnan, says,<\/p>\n

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“I’m very proud of him. He’s a kid who came from the streets and could have been in jail, very easily could have been shot. He had a huge drinking problem, and he promised his daughter he wouldn’t drink anymore. He wants to be a role model, which is very important. I’ve always advocated for the Latin community because we’re 17% of the population in the United States, but we only have 4% representation on TV. So, it’s good to have role models and leaders and people that future generations can look up to.”<\/em><\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\"Mike
Courtesy of TNA Wrestling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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X-Division legend @AmazingRed_iOD<\/a> was there for @Santana_Proud<\/a> at #TNASlammiversary<\/a>. Watch Immersed NOW on TNA+ and the Fight Network YouTube channel and go behind the scenes of that emotional night.<\/p>\n

YouTube: https:\/\/t.co\/hQ2xIiGBBs<\/a>
TNA+: https:\/\/t.co\/OumSoGBMkk<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/4ef9gBGMWa<\/a><\/p>\n

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) December 14, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n