Santos Escobar, one of WWE’s standout luchadors and former NXT Cruiserweight Champion, is expected to leave the company within hours as his contract expires at midnight on October 7, 2025. This pivotal moment marks the end of a six-year tenure that saw Escobar rise through the ranks and capture the attention of wrestling fans worldwide.
Contract Expires After Six Years with WWE
Sources close to the situation confirm that WWE made efforts to retain Escobar, but the veteran star has opted not to re-sign. According to staff familiar with the negotiations, “WWE extended several offers to keep Santos on board, but he declined all of them,” signaling a decisive move toward his departure from the company[1][2].
This contract expiration and decision to part ways come after Escobar’s increasingly sporadic appearances on WWE programming. His last official match aired on WWE SmackDown in May 2025 against the legendary Rey Mysterio. Since then, Escobar has not competed on major WWE shows, with his final in-ring performance for WWE occurring during the Mexico SuperShows event this past July[1].
Impact on WWE’s Cruiserweight and Lucha Libre Presence
Escobar’s exit leaves a significant gap in WWE’s cruiserweight and lucha libre divisions. His distinct style and charisma championed the vibrant Mexican wrestling tradition and brought unique energy to WWE’s broader roster. Throughout his time with WWE, Escobar was praised for revitalizing the cruiserweight scene with his high-flying techniques and engaging storylines.
A WWE insider shared, “Santos was not just a talented performer but also a vital ambassador of lucha style in WWE. It’s a loss for the company in terms of diversity of talent and wrestling culture.” This departure may spur WWE to look elsewhere or elevate new talent to fill the void Escobar leaves behind.
What Might the Future Hold for Santos Escobar?
While the exact next steps for Escobar remain uncertain, wrestling insiders speculate he may explore options beyond WWE, possibly returning to the independent circuit, other major wrestling promotions, or even exploring international opportunities. Given his reputation and skill set, many anticipate his career will continue to flourish outside WWE’s framework.
One source close to Escobar’s camp remarked, “He’s excited about new challenges ahead and open to offers globally. His time in WWE was valuable, but there’s a whole world of wrestling opportunities waiting for him now.”
The End of an Era: A Retrospective on Santos Escobar’s WWE Run
Since joining WWE in 2019, Escobar steadily climbed the ladder from NXT newcomer to a respected champion. His tournament victories and defended titles underscored a consistent presence in the cruiserweight division. Escobar’s blending of traditional lucha libre with modern storytelling resonated with fans and critics alike.
His leadership of the LEGADO DEL FANTASMA faction further amplified his significance in WWE’s narrative landscape, adding compelling layers to both his character and the cruiserweight scene overall. With his WWE chapter closing, retrospectives are already highlighting what Escobar brought to the promotion over the years.
WWE’s Response and Forward-Looking Strategy
WWE has not officially commented on Escobar’s departure but is expected to recalibrate its cruiserweight programming and international talent recruitment in response. Industry observers suggest WWE will aim to fill the void left by Escobar with fresh faces, continuing the cruiserweight division’s legacy.
As one WWE official said, “We appreciate Santos’ contributions over the years and wish him nothing but success. WWE remains committed to showcasing diverse, high-caliber talent in every division.”
Fans React to the News
Social media platforms are buzzing with fans expressing both sadness and support for Escobar’s decision. Many highlight his in-ring prowess and charismatic presence as key reasons WWE programming will feel different without him.
Summary
- Santos Escobar’s WWE contract expires at midnight on October 7, 2025.
- He has declined WWE’s offers to re-sign, signaling an imminent departure.
- Escobar last wrestled on WWE SmackDown in May 2025 and Mexico SuperShows in July 2025.
- His exit creates a notable gap in WWE’s cruiserweight and lucha libre divisions.
- Escobar’s future likely involves exploring other wrestling promotions globally.
This development concludes an important chapter for one of WWE’s premier lucha libre stars and opens new avenues for both Escobar and WWE in the evolving landscape of professional wrestling[1][2].