New WWE Trademark Has Fans Worried About Mike Santana’s NXT Future

Kebin AntonyMon, July 27, 2026 at 5:32 PM UTC

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Photo Credit: WWE

WWE’s new trademark application has fans worried about a potential name change for Mike Santana.

On Friday, July 24, 2026, WWE filed an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to trademark the name “Cruz Montana.” The office has accepted the application, which is awaiting assignment to an examining attorney.

“IC 041: Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment,” the description of WWE’s application read.

Fans are speculating that WWE’s latest trademark filing could signal a major change for Mike Santana in NXT

While there is no confirmation of who the name is for, some fans expressed concern on social media that it could be linked to former TNA World Champion Mike Santana. He recently made his official WWE NXT debut.

During his debut, WWE did not refer to him as Mike Santana, which understandably led fans to worry about a potential name change. However, the promotion later used his name on a Facebook post.

He had previously applied to trademark “Mike Santana” with the USPTO, and it is still pending. It was initially believed to be the reason why WWE didn’t mention his name. However, the examining attorney, who evaluated Santana’s application, has issued a “non-final Office action.“

The attorney has sent the letter “requiring additional information and/or making an initial refusal.” Mike Santana has to respond to it soon for his application to proceed. It’s worth noting that Santana was unsuccessful in his attempt to trademark his name in 2021. His application was rejected due to “incomplete response.”

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If WWE’s new trademark application is indeed for Mike Santana’s name change, the delay in the wrestler’s own application might explain why the company took this route.

Fans have shared their reactions to the potential name change

Wrestling fans didn’t like the idea of a name change for the former TNA World Champion. They have taken to X/Twitter to share their reactions, criticizing WWE’s pattern of rebranding established wrestlers.

“Cruz Montana. Sorry Mike Santana fans, but you really thought WWE was going to let him be himself?” one fan wrote.

“Please WWE don’t use the name Cruz Montana for Mike Santana,” another posted.

“There’s no way this is Santana’s new name… he’s already been in NXT as Santana… what are they doing lmfao,” another fan replied.

“This is trash, no shot he succeeds to the extent he would’ve as “Mike Santana,” another fan wrote.

Read More:AJ Styles Questions How Long WWE Will Wait to Make Bron Breakker World Champion

The post New WWE Trademark Has Fans Worried About Mike Santana’s NXT Future appeared first on Wrestlezone.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”