Reports have emerged that TNA World Champion Mike Santana’s TNA contract is set to expire this summer, and WWE is positioning itself to sign the two-time TNA World Champion before the year is out.
The 35-year-old has already made multiple WWE appearances over the past year through the company’s working relationship with TNA, and now the Stamford-based promotion is said to be watching him closely as he approaches free agency.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, there is strong internal support for bringing Santana into WWE. The detail that elevates this beyond routine interest is that Santana reportedly has backing from at least one active WWE superstar on the main roster.
His work ethic and professionalism are also cited as contributing factors behind WWE’s interest. WrestleVotes did not specify which brand Santana might land on, but indicated WWE would want him on board by the end of the year if he signs.
Santana’s TNA Title Run
Santana became a singles major champion for the first time at last year’s Bound for Glory, defeating then-NXT star Trick Williams, who was also holding the TNA title at the time. A month later, he dropped the belt to company veteran Frankie Kazarian, who cashed in his Call Your Shot Gauntlet.
During TNA’s AMC debut on January 15, Santana defeated Kazarian to become a two-time TNA World Champion. He successfully defended the title against the 48-year-old at Genesis a couple of days later, and has continued to defend the championship at multiple pay-per-views and TNA tapings since.
Santana was also an integral part of the ‘Invasion’ storyline involving NXT and TNA. At NXT Showdown last October, he represented Team TNA in a Survivor Series-style elimination match.