Former NXT Cruiserweight Champion returns under a new, higher-value deal
Summary
– Santos Escobar’s WWE contract expired on October 6, briefly moving him to the alumni section
– He has since re-signed with WWE following an improved financial and creative offer
– Escobar’s new deal ends speculation of a possible AEW move and restarts his WWE journey
Santos Escobar is officially staying with WWE. After his contract expired at midnight on October 6, 2025, and his profile was shifted to the alum section of WWE.com, many believed the Mexican star’s departure was final. However, just two days later, that narrative took a sharp turn.
According to PWInsider, Escobar and WWE reached a new agreement on October 8, securing his return under a significantly improved deal. The revised offer reportedly addressed Escobar’s creative concerns and included a higher salary, ensuring his continued presence within the company he joined in 2019.
The news comes after heavy speculation that Escobar could be AEW-bound, with several industry insiders suggesting discussions were underway. Instead, the former NXT Cruiserweight Champion chose to remain with WWE, reinforcing the company’s growing effort to retain key international talent amid increased competition.
Escobar’s WWE career has seen him evolve from a masked competitor to the leader of Legado Del Fantasma, capture the NXT Cruiserweight Title for more than 300 days, and compete most recently at the AAA x WWE: Worlds Collide event in June. His last televised match was a loss to Rey Fenix on SmackDown in May.
With new terms in place and creative adjustments reportedly approved, Escobar’s story in WWE continues—proof that in pro wrestling, nothing is final until the ink dries.
