Mike Santana, a prominent star in TNA Wrestling, recently shared his experiences from the highly anticipated Slammiversary 2025 event during an interview with Chris Van Vliet. He recounted the tense atmosphere at the event, where he felt a potential riot brewing among the fans, and discussed his aspirations for winning the TNA World Title.
During the event, Santana took it upon himself to address the audience. “What a moment. Just that whole lead-up and just the day in general, it was special,” Santana recalled. “I said it after we went off the air, I got on the mic a little bit, because the crowd was just like [unhappy]. I was like, there’s a riot rumbling in here, so let me calm them down a little bit.” He reflected on his journey from being a lesser-known competitor to headlining significant matches, stating, “I went from undesirable to undeniable, and what a journey it’s been.”
Personal Connections and Motivations
Santana expressed deep gratitude for having his family present at Slammiversary, particularly his daughter. “To have my family there and my daughter there, it was special,” he said. He described the overwhelming support from the local crowd as a significant moment in his career. He shared a personal anecdote about his fears following his release from wrestling, noting, “I remember the fear that I felt when I finally got my release, and it was like, it’s over, right? Because you can hope and wish all you want, nothing is guaranteed.”
He emphasized the importance of providing for his daughter, saying, “I just prayed that I could continue giving my daughter the life that she has and making sure that she’s comfortable.” Santana drew inspiration from his grandmother’s missed opportunity to invest in property decades ago, stating, “I will never allow fear to stop me from anything.”
Aiming for the TNA World Title
Looking ahead, Santana envisions what it would mean to win the TNA World Title. “It looks like me presenting that belt to my daughter,” he said. He sees this moment not just as a personal achievement but as a lasting symbol of love and dedication. “I want years from now, when she looks back on all this, and she shows her children, I want them to all understand how much love I had for them and how much she impacted me.”
In the main event at Slammiversary, Santana competed in a Triple Threat Match against Trick Williams and Joe Hendry, where Williams retained the TNA World Title. Following the event, Santana showcased his resilience by securing a victory over Joe Hendry in the post-Slammiversary episode of Impact, underscoring his determination to rise in the ranks of TNA Wrestling.
As Santana continues to navigate his wrestling career, his journey reflects a blend of personal ambition and family commitment, resonating deeply with fans and aspiring wrestlers alike.
