Mike Santana has been on a whirlwind of emotions over the past week.
The TNA star managed to do his brand proud by getting a huge win for his team at last week’s TNA vs. NXT Survivor Series style match. However, that doesn’t even come close to his monumental win over Trick Williams for the TNA World Championship at Bound For Glory.
His career has been filled with ups and downs, especially during a period in his life where he fell into a drug and alcohol addiction. However, Santana managed to overcome his addiction and come back to the wrestling world as a new man. Once he left AEW, Santana came to TNA to prove why he deserved a chance at the top and he finally did it on October 12, 2025.
Santana penned a powerful message on social media about his tremendous experience in the past 48 hours and gave an encouraging message to anyone reading it.
What a journey it’s been…For the last 48 hours I’ve been trying to think of some words to put together that best describes how I’ve been feeling. But to be honest, I’ve been allowing myself to just take everything in and be in the moment. Giving this time to myself because I’ve earned it.
As alot of you know, I’ve been very open about my struggles and the battles I’ve faced and conquered to get where I am. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. All that pain has been used to paint this picture that you all see today. And I must say, it’s a beautiful one.
Back in March of last year, I took a huge gamble on myself. Left a comfortable and secure position because I felt like I had a greater calling and was destined for more. I have too much respect for myself and this sport to just coast by and be happy to be somewhere collecting a paycheck. It’s never been me. If you’re not growing in this then you’re dying and I didn’t sacrifice half of my life to just be happy to be here…
So I made a plan and got to work. Hit the road and started on a path of proving myself. I didn’t know how long it was going to take or if it was even going to work. But one thing I did know was that nothing will happen if I don’t TRY. Thankfully I’ve had such an amazing support system who’s helped and encouraged me every step of the way.
And that brought me back through the doors of TNA. The place that helped put me on the map and gave me opportunities to tell my story. They trusted me and I trusted them and I’m so thankful to be a part of this family. I can’t tell you how much pride I take in being in this position that I’m in. A true testament to hard work paying off in every way possible.
This past Sunday I didn’t just prove to the world but to MYSELF that I am the man I say I am. Thank you all for taking the ride with me. I hope you continue to do so because I’m just getting started. I need you all now more than ever.
And with all that being said, I’ll leave you with this…NEVER LET SOMEONE TELL YOU THAT YOU CANT.
PUT IN THE WORK.
DO IT YOURSELF.
BET ON YOU EVERY TIME.
It’s a shame that we won’t get to see Santana on Thursday as TNA is a bit on a hiatus at the moment. However, this is a beautiful message and congratulations to Santana for winning the TNA World Championship!