Mike Santana bet on himself, and it paid off big in 2025. Santana rose to the top of TNA to win the world title. The year closed with awards for TNA Wrestler of the Year and Match of the Year.
TNA announced the annual winners (as voted on by fans), and Santana scored twice. He earned Wrestler of the Year for carrying the torch from Joe Hendry to become the soul of the locker room, won the TNA world title back from NXT’s Trick Williams, had compelling storylines, and put on banger after banger. Speaking
of bangers, Santana versus Mustafa Ali won Match of the Year. The feud over Ali trying to ruin Santana’s sobriety climaxed in Falls Count Anywhere. Santana was baptized in blood to win the match.
Santana accepted the TNA awards on screen with appreciation.
Santana also commented on social media:
2025 has been such a pivotal year in my career. All the work and dedication that I put in, was my way of giving a huge THANK YOU to all those who believed and took this ride with me.
I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished in TNA. But the best is yet to come!
On top of those awards, Santana was chosen to be on the cover of PWI magazine.
As someone who grew up on these magazines, I can’t begin to tell you how truly special this is. I remember my dad and grandmother taking me to local supermarkets or Rite Aid just to spend hours going through all the mags.
What an amazing accomplishment to be featured on the cover of @officialpwi magazine.
What a way to end such an amazing and storied year for me in my personal and professional life. Some of the absolute best have graced the cover, and to be able to say I’m among them, is a TRUE HONOR.
Cheers to an amazing 2025. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE.
If you missed Santana versus Ali the first time, don’t worry. TNA posted the full match.
TNA also posted the Immensed documentary, which is an emotional look at Santana’s journey. TNA does a very job good with these documentaries.
The full TNA awards list for 2025 includes:
- Match of the Year: Mike Santana vs. Mustafa Ali in Falls Count Anywhere at Rebellion
- Wrestler of the Year: Mike Santana
- Knockout of the Year: Ash by Elegance
- X-Division Star of the Year: Leon Slater
- Tag Team of the Year: The Hardys
- Knockouts Tag Team of the Year: Elegance Brand
- Faction of the Year: The System
- Finishing Move of the Year: Swanton 450 by Leon Slater
- Moment of the Year: AJ Styles returns to TNA Wrestling at Slammiversary
- Crossover Moment of the Year: Joe Hendry vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41
- Inspirational Wrestler of the Year: Chris Bey
Share your thoughts on the TNA award winners and Mike Santana’s rise to the top of the company.
