Santana Opens Up on Addiction, ⁤Family, and TNA Ambitions

Mike Santana ⁤is ready to make his mark‌ on TNA Wrestling, and ‍he’s doing so ‍with a newfound perspective‍ shaped by ⁣his personal battles. In ⁤a candid conversation, Santana shared the profound impact his daughter⁤ has had on his life and career, especially ‍in overcoming addiction. He‍ also offered words of⁣ encouragement to others⁤ facing similar struggles⁢ and expressed his enthusiasm for the current TNA locker room, ⁢while also setting his sights on the TNA World Championship and a dream match with ‍AJ Styles.

A Daughter’s Love: The Driving Force Behind His Comeback

Santana’s journey ⁤has been deeply intertwined with his family,​ especially his daughter. “She⁣ is the⁤ reason why I’m ​here ‌today,” he stated emphatically. “She’s the reason why I’ve been able to go on this journey I’ve been on.” ​He elaborated on ​the significance of this moment ‍for his loved ones, who witnessed his lowest points. “For the rest of my family, they ‌saw me at ⁤rock‌ bottom,” Santana revealed. “They saw me at a point​ where⁤ they didn’t think⁣ I was‍ going to come back from and I didn’t⁢ think I⁢ was⁢ going to‍ come⁢ back‍ from.” This powerful testament highlights the resilience and support system ⁤that‌ fueled his recovery.

Advice for ⁣Those Struggling with​ Addiction

Drawing from his own hard-won wisdom, ⁣Santana extended advice to‍ fellow wrestlers who might be grappling‌ with addiction. “It’s an unfortunate ​reality that we live in,right? Not everyone’s perfect and not everyday⁤ is good,” he⁢ acknowledged.”Seeking ‌help is so crucial. Putting your pride⁣ and your⁣ ego to the side.” santana reflected on his past,‍ admitting, “I was a⁣ very prideful person. And I was a⁢ very ego driven person. But simultaneously occurring, ‍those were the things that drove me to where I was.‍ Sometimes you ⁢have to put that to the side and ask for help and it’s okay.Thankfully I did… to ⁤those struggling, there’s help.” His message is one of hope and ⁤the crucial importance of vulnerability in overcoming addiction.

“the Best Locker Room I’ve Ever been In”

Santana’s praise for the current TNA Wrestling habitat was effusive.⁣ “I think ​it’s a great place and I think⁤ it serves professional ⁤wrestling as‍ a whole,” ‌he commented. “It’s awesome that‌ it’s always been a place where peopel can come and‌ reunite their passion and careers… It’s probably the best‌ locker room I’ve ever‍ been in, straight up.”

However, his enthusiasm ⁣for the company doesn’t temper his competitive spirit. Santana didn’t hold back his‍ feelings about the current⁤ TNA World Champion, Trick Williams, who hails from⁤ NXT.”Am I happy about Trick Williams having the title?⁤ Absolutely not. I look at him as an outsider,” Santana declared.”I look at him as someone who doesn’t‌ respect the lineage ⁣and respect the weight that’s been⁢ put on that belt.” He also shared his ⁢thoughts on ‌fellow challenger Joe Hendry: ‍”I respect what Joe has done… ​but at the same time it’s like, is Joe a wrestler’s wrestler? I⁣ feel like I carry the true essence ‌of‌ what TNA is.”

A Dream Match with “The Phenomenal One”

When asked about a dream opponent within WWE that he’d love to face⁣ in TNA, Santana had a ⁣singular focus: AJ ⁢Styles. “The onyl person that’s on that list right ‌now⁣ until it​ happens‌ is ‍AJ Styles,” ⁤he stated with conviction.”AJ is undoubtedly the ​guy‌ who when‍ you really think of TNA,it’s​ AJ​ Styles. The number ‍one homegrown guy and I feel like I’ve been that guy also… To be able to​ wrestle him and learn from him, like, that’s the guy.” This aspiration underscores Santana’s respect for TNA’s history and his desire to test himself against one ‍of its greatest legends.

Mike Santana is set to compete in the main event of TNA ⁣Slammiversary this Sunday, July 20,⁤ at the‌ UBS ​Arena in long Island, New York. He will challenge for the TNA World Championship in a highly anticipated three-way match against the reigning⁣ champion Trick Williams and Joe Hendry.