Mike Santana has his eyes on a dream opponent, and he knows exactly where he wants the match to take place—inside a TNA ring.
Speaking with MuscleManMalcolm on Muscle Memory, the reigning House of Glory Heavyweight Champion made it clear that if he could face one wrestler from WWE or NXT, it would be none other than AJ Styles.
“TNA was the place that put me on the map… AJ Styles is the face of TNA, the number one homegrown talent, and I consider myself one, too,” Santana said. “To go head-to-head with him and elevate myself would be amazing.”
While the idea of a match between the two may have seemed impossible in the past, the recent working relationship between TNA and WWE makes it more realistic than ever. With Styles being the wrestler who is most identified with TNA Wrestling, it seems all but certain that the “Phenomenal One” will return home for at least a few matches while he’s still active.
Santana has been on a tear recently, defeating KENTA in a grueling match to retain the HOG Heavyweight Championship. He also recently took down former TNA World Champion Josh Alexander, further proving that he belongs among the best.
Having already checked off one dream opponent in KENTA, Santana believes a match with Styles would be the ultimate test. And while the bout could theoretically happen in WWE, he insists it belongs in TNA.
“I want it in a TNA ring,” Santana emphasized.
With both men sharing a connection to the promotion that helped define them, a Santana vs. Styles clash could be a show-stealer if the stars align. Now, the ball is in TNA and WWE’s court—will they make it happen?