Mike Santana is in the featured spot on TNA’s debut on AMC network and sits at the top of the company, fighting for the biggest prize in the business on Thursday night as he takes on Frankie Kazarian in his quest to capture the TNA World Title for the second time.
While speaking with Scott Fishman of TV Insider, Mike Santana had an exclusive conversation about a myriad of topics, including what it took for Mike to get to this spot, what it means to him, and his sobriety.
You’ve become the go-to guy for TNA. How is it to have the company trust you in this position at the top?
“I feel like I’ve always been one to do my research. I consider myself to be a student of the game. When I came back and told myself I wanted to be that top guy and guy the company trusts to be in numerous different situations and things like that. I’ve looked at guys who have been in my position, even in other companies, where let’s see how they handle it and approach things. Also, taking a bit of myself. I’ve always been comfortable with public speaking. Also, I’m very understanding of the fact I’m not just representing myself but a brand. That’s important to me. I take my job very seriously. They know this isn’t something I do for a hobby. This is how my daughter eats. This is how I pay my bills. I’ve always taken my job very seriously. But like you said, having that trust from the company itself to be put in these situations and represent the brand is definitely a good feeling. It’s a testament to the hard work I’ve been putting in and representing.“
Mike Santana hasn’t been shy about his sobriety journey and even using it in storylines if they called for it. An example of this was back in early 2025 when he feuded with Mustafa Ali and Ali constantly threw it in his face and reminded Mike of his past transgressions.
People are connected to you because of your authenticity. You’ve spoken candidly about your sobriety. How is it for you to see your story resonate so much?
“What has made me so proud of it is the fact it has been the catalyst to get me where I am today. It has been my biggest motivation, just knowing that I went from rock bottom and used rock bottom to use what I have built today. I was taught in rehab and during the process of getting my life together and getting clean that what helps me stay sober and in the position I’m in mentally and personally is giving away the gift that was so freely given to me. And that was the gift of hope and sobriety and clarity. That’s always something that helps me. Yeah, I’m proud of all the struggles I’ve been through. I say today that all those dark times were necessarily in the grand scheme of things. Also, my daughter, it’s about just setting an example firsthand for her. Yes, she saw me at my worst and saw firsthand the work I put in to get to where I am. For her to go from writing Santa her Christmas list and asking him for her dad to stop and get clean to going and standing in the ring and me presenting her the world title and in between that seeing the work I put in. That’s everything to me. Wrestling fans can read through the crap. I feel like I’ve used my story as something. It’s a real life story for anybody that feels like they want to connect. I think that has what got people behind me and got this train going.”
H/T Scott Fishman of TV Insider.
Will Mike Santana continue to defeat his monsters and forge his own path to the TNA World Title, or will Frankie Kazarian and his dastardly ways prevail?
We’ll have to find out later tonight on TNA’s premiere on the AMC network.
Head over to TNAMerch.com for all of your OFFICIAL TNA merchandise, including the newest collections.
Watch TNA WRESTLING EVERY Thursday
–AMC – USA
-TNA + (sign up here) & AMC + Apps – USA & International (now simulcasting along with AMC for the weekly show every Thursday)
-SportsNet 360 – CANADA
-Claro Sports – Latin America
Help support Chris Bey by purchasing the “We Heart Bey” T-Shirt. All proceeds go to Chris Bey.
Here: https://tnamerch.com/collections/all-new-t-shirts/products/we-heart-bey-t-shirt?variant=46760894791904
Follow Gerard at @BearDown316 on Twitter
For lots of EXCLUSIVE news and scoops, sign up for the BODYSLAM Patreon.
FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE:
Twitch: Twitch.tv/BodyslamNet
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BodySlamNet
Twitter: Twitter.com/BodyslamNet
Facebook: Facebook.com/BodyslamNet
Website: Bodyslam.net
Discord: https://discord.gg/NraZNUjW
Donate: SlamChats.com
Want to discuss wrestling further? Join our Discord community by clicking here!
If you enjoy Bodyslam’s content, you can help donate to the site here. You can also visit our PWTees store and buy Bodyslam official merchandise here.