WWE has submitted a new trademark application for a ring name that closely resembles a top free agent in the wrestling industry.
The application for “Cruz Montana” was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on July 24, encompassing WWE’s typical categories for a performer’s name, starting with in‑ring competition.
The description specifies “entertainment services, including live and broadcast wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer, delivered via television, radio, the internet, or commercial online platforms.”
The filing also includes news and information services, an online community portal, a website, fan‑club services for both wrestling and social events, online newsletters, and blogs, all pertaining to sports entertainment.
The attention surrounding the filing stems from the name’s similarity to Mike Santana, who became a free agent this summer and has been widely speculated to be considering a move to WWE.
Santana concluded his tenure with TNA Wrestling at Slammiversary on June 28 in Boston, where he lost the TNA World Championship to Nic Nemeth in the main event. He was not selected for the subsequent television tapings in Albany, New York, and his contract was reported to be expiring shortly thereafter. He departs as a two‑time TNA World Champion.
WWE’s interest in Santana has been reported for several months. PWInsider and WrestleVotes have covered the story, indicating that WWE aims to place him on its main roster by the end of 2026, and that at least one current main‑roster performer has advocated for his signing. No specific brand has been assigned to him in the reports.
Santana already maintains a working relationship with WWE. He appeared multiple times on WWE NXT during the promotion’s partnership with TNA, including a tag match against DarkState in March.