Romeo Malverde, formerly known as Santos Escobar in WWE, has opened up about the difficult circumstances surrounding his departure from the company.
While speaking with TMZ’s Inside The Ring (see video below), Malverde discussed undergoing two surgeries on his tricep before learning that he was being released by WWE. Complications stemming from the initial procedure required a second surgery, with the issue potentially putting the ulnar nerve in his arm at risk.
“In all honesty it was hard, it was difficult. It was difficult mostly because of the injuries, not so much for the release itself, which, you know, the optics always matter, but that’s something that’s out of my reach,” Malverde said. “I don’t really know what’s behind it.”
The timing made the situation particularly difficult, as Malverde said he received the news less than a week after undergoing his second surgery.
“Again, it was a very heartbreaking situation for me personally because I was injured and I think it was maybe six or seven days after my second surgery. So it was even more heartbreaking, disappointing if you can imagine my mental state at that point. I don’t want to say I was ready because I wasn’t.”
Malverde admitted there was no way to fully prepare himself for what happened, but said the experience ultimately forced him to push through both his physical recovery and the uncertainty surrounding his career.
“I don’t think anyone is ready for that, but I had to work hard, I had to work hard to get out of that injury and of that situation. And then right now I feel good, everything that happened in the past three months helped me understand the depth of my persona, of who I am and how far I can go to achieve something.”
Malverde also revisited the circumstances surrounding his WWE contract situation in October 2025. After initially allowing his deal to expire, he held conversations with WWE President Nick Khan that ultimately resulted in his return to the company.
Following his earlier run in NXT, Malverde moved to the SmackDown roster, where he spent several years competing as Santos Escobar. He also made multiple appearances for AAA during his time under the WWE umbrella.
