During a recent interview on the show Insight with Chris Van Vliet, TNA Wrestling star Mike Santana shared insights about his experience at Slammiversary 2025, where he felt the atmosphere was charged with tension. Santana, who participated in a high-stakes Triple Threat Match for the TNA World Title, described the moment when he sensed a potential riot among the crowd. His reflections on that intense night reveal both the challenges and triumphs he has faced in his wrestling career.
Santana recalled the palpable energy in the arena during Slammiversary, stating, “What a moment. Just that whole lead-up and just the day in general, it was special.” He felt compelled to address the crowd directly, noting their dissatisfaction, which he perceived as a brewing unrest. “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 explained. His journey from participating in minor matches to headlining a major event exemplified his growth as a performer. “I went from the throwaway to the main event. I went from undesirable to undeniable, and what a journey it’s been.”
Family Support and Personal Reflections
The presence of his family, particularly his daughter, added emotional depth to the event. “To have my family there and my daughter there, it was special,” he remarked. Santana contrasted his earlier career fears with his current successes, admitting he once faced uncertainty after receiving his release from wrestling. “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 said.
He shared a poignant family story that has shaped his mindset. “My grandmother, God bless her, had the opportunity back in like the early 90s, late 80s to buy a piece of property in the Lower East Side… she ended up not buying it. That property today is worth like $4 million. I remember her telling me that story, and I was like, I will never allow fear to stop me from anything.” This perspective drives Santana as he strives for excellence in his wrestling career.
Aiming for the TNA World Title
Looking ahead, Santana envisions a significant moment in his career: winning the TNA World Title. He expressed his desire to present the championship belt to his daughter, viewing it as a gesture of gratitude. “It looks like me presenting that belt to my daughter. Because, again, that’s a thank you. I want years from now, when she looks back on all this, to understand how much love I had for them and how much she impacted me,” Santana stated.
In the main event at Slammiversary, Santana faced stiff competition from Trick Williams and Joe Hendry, ultimately losing the match. Despite this setback, Santana secured a victory over Hendry in the subsequent episode of Impact, showcasing his resilience and commitment to his wrestling career.
As Santana continues to navigate his path in TNA Wrestling, his reflections on family, fear, and ambition offer a glimpse into the mindset of a dedicated athlete striving for greatness. The journey from uncertainty to confidence is a testament to his character, and fans eagerly await what the future holds for this talented wrestler.