[REVISION HISTORY]

Santos Escobar WWE departure and career transition

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2026-08-28 17:25 UTC → 2026-09-08 00:44 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Former WWE Superstar Santos Escobar has reflected on his April 2026 release from the company, a move he described as “heartbreaking.” The departure occurred during post-WrestleMania 42 roster cuts, despite Escobar having signed a new contract in late 2025 following personal assurances from WWE President Nick Khan. Escobar noted that the timing of his release was particularly difficult as it followed surgeries for a tricep injury and an ulnar nerve issue. In an interview with TMZ’s Inside The Ring, he revealed that the departure occurred approximately six or seven days after he underwent a second surgery. He compared the experience to the ‘Trash Bag Gate’ incident involving Mickie James, stating, “That’s how I felt.” As he moves into the next chapter of his career, Escobar has officially adopted the new ring name “Romeo Malverde.” He explained that the persona is an underdog character inspired by his recent personal and physical challenges. He noted that ‘Romeo’ reflects his background as a trained actor, while ‘Malverde’ is a name with significant weight, drawing comparisons to a Robin Hood-style figure who overcomes adversity. During his period of reassessment, Escobar has focused on physical recovery and new creative ventures. He recently completed a television project in Mexico for a major streaming service, providing a different outlet for creative expression outside of the wrestling ring. Escobar expressed gratitude for the lessons learned from industry veterans such as Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and AJ Styles, noting that these experiences have helped him become a more “mature and intelligent superstar.”

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