By: Eliana Hebert
For the first time since 2009 Total Nonstop Action Wrestling is back in Syracuse, New York.
Z89 representative Josh Markowitz had the pleasure of interviewing one of TNA’s most inspiring wrestlers, the “Pride of Puerto Rico”, TNA World Champion Mike Santana.
Reflecting on his career, having wrestled for over half his life thus far, Santana gives some advice to listeners that can apply in many spaces. When it comes to people before you or those with more experience “make sure to pick their brain.” Specifically, Santana highlights some mentors and influences on his career such as wrestlers Homicide, Amazing Red, and Low Ki. Konnan had a particular influence on working the TV style of the sport. Despite debuting nearly 19 years ago, Santana says he feels “better than ever” and like he’s “just getting started”.
The pro wrestler really is ‘better than ever’ as he won Professional Wrestling Illustrated’s Inspirational Wrestler of the Year award. For Santana the award “came out of nowhere” since his goal in sharing his story was to try and help others. His story is definitely a motivational one as he marks 1136 days sober, putting him past the impressive 3-year mark. Working through past hardships, Santana noted he “not only made it through but made something of [himself]”, and that he now gets to show his daughter “anything is possible.” He gives her much of the credit for his accomplishments, referencing her several times stating “she saved my life.”
Santana’s gratitude was apparent throughout the interview, both for his professional and personal life. In listing some of his favorite matches he mentioned the Great Muta and Chris Jericho, with his dream future matches being against all-stars Bret Hart or Shawn Michaels. He also expressed gratitude for being 35 years old and entering the prime of his career, having already worked for the “big three”. Having had this experience, he knows TNA is his perfect fit and a place where he can continue to grow. When asked for the three things he was most grateful for today, Santana replied with responses closer to home: “family”, “my little girl who saved my life”, and “myself”. Elaborating upon his last response, the wrestler reflected, “I used to run away from the mirror…today I love who’s looking back”.
Looking forward to the upcoming events, Markowitz asked for some ideas on what fans can expect from the live matches. Santana replied that viewers can look forward to “getting some of the best professional wrestling that’s out there”, especially as recent years have been referred to as the “golden age” of pro wrestling. With so many amazing people on the roster like Moose and Léi Yǐng Lee, these shows at TNA strive to distinguish themselves from other programming.
Fans can see TNA Thursday Night Impact at the Upstate Medical University Arena Apr. 14 and 15 at 7:00 p.m., ticket prices range from around $43 to $71 per seat.
Get pumped for the event with a Mike Santana playlist!
Listening to hip hop, salsa, and metal, here are some artists the wrestler highlighted:
Mega Death
Metallica (especially “Enter Sandman”)
Linkin Park
Big Pun
Nas
Cold Mega
Mobb Deep
Blass 89
