Major news dropped on Monday about Santos Escobar. According to Fightful Select, the Mexican superstar's contract is up "very soon" and it does not seem he is staying with the WWE.
"WWE sources confirmed to Fightful Select this morning (Monday, October 6) that Santos Escobar's contract is up 'very soon,' and it hasn't looked like he'll be staying with the company as of now. It was implied the two sides had discussed an extension, but we've not confirmed as much."
Fightful Select would update its report that same day to announce that Escobar's contract was set to expire at midnight on October 6. According to sources, WWE made attempts to re-sign Escobar but those offers were declined.
Escobar first joined WWE back in 2020 and had moments as one of the hottest Mexican names on the roster. That momentum did not last, especially after moving to the main roster in 2022. Escobar reached the highest point of his WWE run, capturing the WWE NXT Cruiserweight Championship, holding that title for 321 days.
Santos Escobar's last match was on July 27, when he took part in a six-man tag match during the WWE SuperShow in Mexico. His last televised match was on June 7, during AAA x WWE Worlds Collide 2025.
Before his time in WWE, Escobar spent time in major promotions around the world, including AAA, Impact Wrestling, Warrior Wrestling and more.
Where would Santos Escobar fit if he leaves WWE?
Santos Escobar outside of WWE at this time is an interesting topic. With WWE purchasing AAA, the landscape of opportunities is much smaller, taking one major player off the board.
Some fans online are questioning how great of an acquisition Escobar would be in an organization like All Elite Wrestling. AEW has a close partnership with CMLL, with many of its performers showing up in AEW and vice versa. That doesn't mean that Escobar would have to sign with AEW directly, but perhaps CMLL is a location where he could land.
New Japan Pro Wrestling is another interesting discussion point. NJPW is in dire need of a roster boost, as there are several major holes in the current promotion both from a booking standpoint and starpower. Santos Escobar isn't an immediate shock to that system, but he's someone who can help add to the roster for sure.
Plus, a potential departure for Santos Escobar should once again raise a question about the booking that men of color experience on the main roster. Opportunities are scare for those who are not White or Samoan, and fans are watching closely, pointing out the makeup of PLE shows and the current championship listening on Monday Night Raw and SmackDown. Santos Escobar may not have been "main event" material, but his departure, Andrade's departure after a lack of use, and the way Black men are booked continue to come up. Where there's smoke, there's fire.