Tag: santos escobar

Top wrestling promotion expected Santos Escobar to join before re-signing with WWE

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Ahead of re-signing with WWE, Santos Escobar was expected to join top Mexican wrestling promotion, CMLL.

Despite signing a lucrative deal a few months ago, Escobar has now been released from WWE and is expected to become a free agent in the next few months.

Escobar became a free agent last year when his contract expired, and he was moved to the WWE’s alumni section. However, with WWE wanting to retain him, negotiations began. Fightful Select recently reported that sources close to the situation noted that CMLL actually expected Escobar to join their promotion and possibly make appearances for AEW.

However, according to Fightful Select, WWE instead made him a “great offer” and retained him. However, Escobar’s conversations with CMLL are expected to resume.

It was also claimed that the money Escobar was receiving was, reasonably, too much to bench him, although it did happen eventually. He was backstage at least once for a WWE main roster event, but was mainly used in AAA. Following his appearance at the AAA Rey de Reyes 2026, Escobar revealed undergoing triceps surgery.

As per the reports, WWE expects him to be healed and close to being back by the time his 90-day no compete clause is finished. While it was originally communicated that Escobar could use the WWE PC to rehab his injuries, Fightful Select confirmed that such is not the case.

An experienced luchador, Escobar, 41, wrestled in Lucha Underground as King Cuerno, and in TNA and across the world as El Hijo Del Fantasma, including in CMLL.

More on Kairi Sane, Zoey Stark, and Santos Escobar WWE releases

Posted on by Bryan Rose

More on Friday’s WWE cuts.

Regarding the main roster cuts, among those were Zoey Stark and Santos Escobar, both of whom were dealing with injuries. Stark had been cleared for an in-ring return prior to her release, while Escobar was recovering from a tricep injury.

“Regarding cuts, I was told Zoey Stark had been cleared when she was cut, just wasn’t being used. Meanwhile, Santos Escobar was just injured on that AAA show about a month ago and was NOT cleared,” Alvarez pointed out.

One of the more prominent and shocking cuts was Kairi Sane, who was in the middle of a storyline between herself, Asuka, and IYO SKY. While there are reports of her already being back in Japan, Alvarez notes that it may not be related to her release.

“Regarding reports of Kairi being in Japan, this may or may not be related to her release,” he said. “She [has] traveled home at least once or twice per month every month since she first signed.”

Sane was trending following the news of her release, with stars such as IYO SKY reacting to the news.

Santos Escobar needs second surgery after ‘minor hiccup’

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Santos Escobar has to undergo another surgery after his tricep procedure in March, dealing a further blow to his return timeline. 

Escobar took to social media with an update on complications involving the ulnar nerve on his arm, which is crucial for finger and arm movement. It was reportedly affected during the first surgery and needs follow-up surgery for correction. He expressed discontent at his inability to attend WrestleMania week. 

“Hey familia, this is the Emperor of Lucha Libre Santos Escobar with a quick update on WrestleMania week. As you probably already know I went through tricep surgery. There was a minor hiccup on the road with my ulnar nerve, a nerve that runs through my arms so I’m gonna have to go and do surgery again to repair that situation. Kills me not to be there with you this week, but to all of my WWE family, Happy WrestleMania Week!”

Escobar competed at AAA Rey de Reyes on March 14. He competed in a four-way match with El Grande Americano, the original El Grande Americano and La Parka. Following the event there were reports that he had suffered a torn tricep which needed subsequent surgery. 

Shortly after the injury happened, Escobar stated that the tricep surgery would sideline him for a good few months. 

Santos Escobar says he’s ‘out for months’ amid surgery reports

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Just days after competing at AAA Rey de Reyes, Santos Escobar has ruled himself “out for months.”

At the recently concluded AAA Rey de Reyes, Escobar competed in the tournament finals against La Parka, El Grande Americano original, and El Grande Americano II. Shortly after, reports emerged of him being injured and requiring surgery for a torn tricep.

Escobar failed to win the match after an interference from Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. He recently shared a video segment with AAA, where he announced his hiatus before laying down a future challenge for Dr. Wagner Jr. (quotes translated from Spanish by WWE)

“The reason I came to AAA, Wagner, is to show you what real Lucha Libre is. And to prove that you’re not on my level. And that your mask is not the most beautiful in Mexican Lucha Libre,” Escobar said. “What you did today is unforgivable. The medical reports says I’ll be out for months…months. This is what I do to provide for my family, my legacy, and you messed with it.”

“When I come back, because you better believe I’m coming back. I’m not just coming back for that title. This time, I’m coming back for what you value most, what you say is the most beautiful thing in Mexican Lucha Libre. Be careful what you wish for.”

Previously, it was confirmed by Fightful Select that Escobar sustained a torn tricep injury and will undergo surgery on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

WOL: WWE and Saudi Arabia, Ricochet tweet, Santos injury

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Lance Storm is back with tons to talk about including WWE and Saudi Arabia, new TNA TV deals, the whole Ricochet situation and how it ties into wrestling social media and more, the NXT TV report, and so much more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

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Report: Santos Escobar to undergo surgery for tricep injury

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

AAA and WWE wrestler Santos Escobar is reportedly set to undergo surgery.

Just days after wrestling the AAA Rey de Reyes tournament final against El Grande Americano original, El Grande Americano II, and La Parka, Escobar has now been ruled out injured.

According to a recent report from Fightful Select, Escobar participated in the AAA Rey de Reyes final despite battling an injury, which worsened during the match.

As per Fightful Select’s report, the injury originally occurred on the NXT house show tour while he was working with Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. during Royal Rumble weekend, a couple of months ago. It was initially feared to be an injury and not a tricep tear. It was confirmed in the report that Escobar sustained a torn tricep injury and is scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Escobar seemed to continue his feud with Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. during the AAA Rey de Reyes final, when Dr. Wagner Jr. interfered and caused Escobar to lose the match. However, with the surgery now lined up, the feud can be expected to get scrapped.

El Fiscal vs. Abismo Negro added to next week’s AAA on Fox lineup

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A new match is set for next week’s AAA on Fox.

Abismo Negro and El Fiscal, the son of the original Abismo Negro, will square off in a continuation of their feud. A video package showcased their history as part of The Vipers stable and Abismo’s eventual turn against Fiscal after using a blowtorch to singe his face. The video showcased their previous battles, which included the usage of fire and wrestling in a chain match. Fiscal has accused Abismo of tarnishing his father’s legacy and name.

Already set for next week is a contract signing between El Hijo del Vikingo and Dominik Mysterio ahead of their match at Rey de Reyes on March 14. When Vikingo challenged Dominik on last week’s show, he dared the AAA Mega Champion to put his hair on the line as well.

The lineup for next week’s AAA on Fox:

AAA on Fox (February 21)

  • El Hijo del Vikingo-Dominik Mysterio Rey de Reyes contract signing
  • Abismo Negro vs. El Fiscal

Santos Escobar delivers first statements since AAA return

Posted on by Ian Carey

Santos Escobar had a few words to say following his return at AAA’s debut show on Fox Saturday night.

Escobar appeared on the show wearing a mask similar to those worn by his father, Fantasma, as well as the masks he previously used while wrestling as El Hijo del Fantasma. He confronted Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr., whispering something in Wagner’s ear before attacking him.

WWE later posted backstage comments from Escobar following the show. Escobar said:

“What do you want? You want to know something about me now?” Escobar asks in the video. “Six months I was away, not one question.“

“No, it doesn’t work like that. You want to know something about me? Now, it’s on my time.”

Escobar’s WWE contract expired in early October 2025. He briefly became a free agent, and his profile was moved to the alumni section of WWE’s website before reports surfaced on October 8 that WWE had re-signed him. He was said to have received a “very big money deal with a lot of perks.”

Escobar has not wrestled since a WWE live event in Mexico on July 27, 2025.

Escobar’s promo is available below.

Santos Escobar returns during AAA on Fox premiere

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Santos Escobar has resurfaced.

During AAA’s premiere episode on Fox, El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. was in the ring issuing a challenge when suddenly Escobar entered the ring wearing his old Hijo del Fantasma Jr. mask. He whispered something in Wagner’s ear before laying out the AAA Latin American champion with a punch, taking his title and unmasking himself. He identified himself as Santos Escobar as he dumped the title on Wagner and made his exit.

After the show ended, Escobar cut a social media promo saying that no one had asked questions for the six months he was gone, and now he will answer questions on his own time.

Santos had been gone from WWE television since last July, briefly becoming a free agent in October when his contract expired. However, it was reported soon after that he had re-signed with the company for what was described at the time for “big money.”

There had been little news regarding Escobar in the months since he re-signed with WWE. In a recent issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it was noted that plans for Escobar were back on track after initially falling through the cracks.

Prior to being taken off television, Santos made an appearance via video on AAA programing, hinting he would be coming after the Mega Heavyweight title.

Update on Santos Escobar’s WWE return

Posted on by Ian Carey

An update is available regarding Santos Escobar’s WWE return.

Escobar was briefly a free agent early last month after his WWE contract expired. Shortly after that, it was reported that Escobar had re-signed with the company, with our own Bryan Alvarez noting his new deal is for “big money” with a lot of perks.

On Friday’s edition of Wrestling Observer Live, Alvarez was asked why Escobar has not returned to WWE programming.

Alvarez responded:

“I know that he’s signed a new contract and I know it was a very big contract. Whatever you think about WWE booking, they ain’t going to sign a guy to this kind of money and then not push him. So I think this is an example of we actually need to have a real idea for this guy before we bring him back.“

“I’m not sure when he will be back but I know one of his requests with his new contract was I believe he wanted a personal meeting with Triple H to discuss his future plans. So I’m sure they are going to come up with something, I’m sure he’s going to get a big push, and when that will be I don’t know.”

Co-host of Wrestling Observer Live, Lance Storm, suggested that bringing Escobar back before WrestleMania would be terrible timing.

“If they don’t have a Mania match planned for him, let him sit until after Mania,” Storm said.

Escobar hasn’t wrestled since WWE’s house shows in Mexico City and Monterrey on July 26 and 27 this summer. He teamed with Berto and Angel in losses to Mr. Iguana, Pagano, and Psycho Clown on both shows.

Report: Men’s WarGames entrance order causing ‘creative contention’

Posted on by Ian Carey

There is said to be some “creative contention” regarding the entrance order for the Men’s WarGames match tonight at WWE Survivor Series.

X account WrestleVotes reported that there are differing opinions regarding the entrance order for the match writing:

“Sources indicate there is some creative contention over the entrance order for tonight’s men’s WarGames match. With the amount of star power in play, several scenarios were mapped out, and there are differing opinions.”

Further details are not available at this time.

This year’s Men’s WarGames match will be a five-on-five contest. The babyface side has CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Jimmy Uso, and Jey Uso. On the heel side is Logan Paul, Brock Lesnar, Drew McIntyre, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed.

WWE Survivor Series: WarGames (November 29)

  • Men’s WarGames match: CM Punk, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes vs. Logan Paul, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Drew McIntyre and Brock Lesnar
  • Women’s WarGames match: Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and AJ Lee vs. Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Asuka, Kairi Sane, and Becky Lynch
  • Intercontinental Championship: John Cena defends against Dominik Mysterio
  • Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer defends against Nikki Bella

WOL: TNA vs. NXT vs. AEW, wrestling ring construction, Santos

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez is back with tons to talk about including AEW and NXT going head-to-head on Tuesday, how the ratings systems is smashing pro-wrestling and why this is important, TNA’s negotiations, how hard wrestling rings are historically, and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out ~!

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WOR: AEW vs. NXT head-to-head, Escobar, ratings doom

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the AEW vs. NXT battle last night, how the new ratings system is killing wrestling, Santos Escobar re-signs with WWE, all the news and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:

Start: Santos Escobar returns to WWE, John Cena’s last dates

2:20: New ratings system having a big impact on pro wrestling

18:50: Dark Side of the Ring renewed, Conor McGregor suspended, more UFC notes, death of Sabrina

28:42: NXT vs. TNA Showdown recap

44:43: AEW Title Tuesday recap

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WWE re-signs wrestler after contract expiration

Posted on by Ian Carey

WWE has re-signed Santos Escobar.

On Wednesday, PWInsider reported that WWE and Escobar came to terms on a new deal a few days after his previous contract expired.

Our own Bryan Alvarez has since confirmed the news, saying Escobar received a very big money deal with a lot of perks.

News of Escobar re-signing with the company comes after his profile was moved to the Alumni section of WWE’s website on Tuesday. He hasn’t wrestled for the company since a live event in Monterrey on July 27. His last appearance on WWE programming took place at the World’s Collide show in Los Angeles on July 6, where he teamed with Angel and Berto in a win over Pagano, Psycho Clown, and El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr.

Escobar signed with WWE in the summer of 2019. He debuted in NXT in March 2020 and was called up to SmackDown in late 2022.

Daily Update: Santos Escobar, Stephanie Vaquer, Santino Marella

Posted on by Bryan Rose

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The new issue of the  Wrestling Observer Newsletter is up on the site today:
*Updates on Crown Jewel and WrestleDream, interest level , lineups and what could be added
*Notes on Tuesday’s AEW/NXT head-to-head battle
*Odds regarding upcoming big matches
*Tokyo Dome ticket sales and notes from Hiroshi Tanahashi and Aaron  Wolf
*NXT No Mercy coverage
*New Japan Destruction in Kobe notes
*CMLL Noche de Campeones notes
*Fuerza Guerrera retires with a look back at his career
*Television ratings are crazy this week and what is the change
*One of the most impressive attendance streaks in history has ended
*CMLL’s focus on wmens’wrestilng in October
*Tessa Blanchard back  in CMLL
*AAA goes head-to-head with CMLL featuring AEW and WWE stars on each show
*Saya Kamitani becomes double champion
*Go Shiozaki leaves NOAH
*King of Pro Wrestling shw final.zied
*Mistico vs. Bandido singles match this past week
*Bret Hart talks his career and we look back at what he said
*New wrestling documentaries
*European star may have cost himself his career with full details as to what happened
*MLW makes comment on WWE business on its TV show
*Upcoming TNA TV news
*Thoughts on Andrade’s return to AEW and what happened
*History of pro wrestling on the SuperStation
*Zuffa Boxing TV deal and notes on the promotion
*Dana White on 60 Minutes coverage
*How UFC went from almost dying to a $15 billion business, the moves it made and how Vince McMahon killed one of its biggest TV deals
*What happened with Wanderlei Silva’s boxing match after it was over
*Notes on stockholder lawsuit against TKO
*WWE top star to take time off for major movie role
*WWE headed to Japan for big shows
*Injury updates
*Updates on Edris Enofe and Jazmyn Nyx leaving the company

This Week’s Back Issue

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Tuesday Update

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