TNA World Champion Mike Santana is marking a major personal milestone, celebrating three years of sobriety after making a life-changing decision that reshaped both his career and his future.
February 16 officially marked three years since Santana entered rehab and committed to getting sober from drugs and alcohol. At the time, he described himself as being at “rock bottom,” but has since rebuilt his life and emerged as one of the top stars in TNA.Santana reflected on the journey in a message, opening up about how far he’s come and the daily work it takes to stay on track.
“3 YEARS SOBER. 2/16/23 I took the first step to change my life and everyday since, I’ve been grateful for what this life has given me.”
He admitted that there was a time when he didn’t believe he could function without substances, but pushed through that mindset over time.
“Crazy to think that at one point, I thought I’d never be able to maneuver through life without drugs and alcohol. And I’d be lying if I said it was easy but nothing worth it in life is.”
Santana also emphasized the importance of taking things one day at a time, using life’s challenges as motivation to grow.
“It’s truly a day at a time and today, the challenges of life motivate me because it’s where strength, knowledge, and character is built.”
He closed his message with a reminder about self-worth and appreciation for those who have supported him along the way.
“LOVE AND RESPECT YOURSELF. ITS THE ONLY WAY. THANK YOU to everyone who’s taken this ride with me the last couple years.”
Since turning his life around, Santana has not only focused on being there for his daughter but has also elevated his wrestling career. Once known primarily as a tag team competitor alongside Ortiz, he has transitioned into a singles run and is now a two-time TNA World Champion, recently reclaiming the title from Frankie Kazarian during TNA’s AMC debut episode.
Santana’s journey shows how quickly things can change with the right mindset — and he’s now living proof of that inside and outside the ring.
What do you think about Mike Santana’s journey over the past three years, and does this make his current title run even more meaningful? Let us know your thoughts.