Mike Santana returns to NXT to help Joe Hendry beat Wes Lee: NXT highlights, July 1, 2025
In a shocking and emotionally charged moment on the July 1, 2025 edition of NXT, Mike Santana made his unexpected return to the WWE universe, targeting one of NXT’s most beloved stars—Wes Lee. The moment not only marked Santana’s re-entry into the black-and-gold brand but also shifted the momentum heavily in favor of Joe Hendry, who scored one of the biggest wins of his NXT career thanks to the interference.
The match was billed as a high-stakes grudge match between Wes Lee and Joe Hendry, stemming from weeks of tension. Hendry, the ever-charismatic and cocky newcomer from Scotland, had been poking fun at Wes Lee with music videos and mocking promos, calling himself the “savior of NXT” and claiming that “everyone believes in Joe Hendry.” Lee, a former North American Champion known for his explosive speed and resilient fighting spirit, had grown increasingly frustrated with Hendry’s mind games.
The NXT Arena was electric as both men made their entrances. Hendry drew a mixed reaction—some fans were amused by his antics while others were firmly behind Lee. Once the bell rang, the match started at a blistering pace. Wes Lee used his high-octane offense to overwhelm Hendry early on, landing a series of dropkicks, a tope con hilo to the outside, and a moonsault off the top rope for a near fall.
However, Hendry’s strength and ring awareness kept him in the match. He began to slow the pace, grounding Lee with backbreakers, suplexes, and a brutal lariat that turned Lee inside out. The momentum swung back and forth, with Lee nearly securing the win after hitting his patented Cardiac Kick. As the referee began to count, the lights briefly flickered—and then chaos ensued.
From the crowd, a hooded figure jumped the barricade and yanked the referee out of the ring before the three-count. The crowd erupted in confusion and anger. The figure pulled back the hood to reveal none other than Mike Santana—a man not seen in WWE programming for years.
Santana wasted no time. With a wild look in his eyes and wearing street gear, he rolled into the ring and laid out Wes Lee with a vicious spinning backfist, followed by his signature sit-out powerbomb. The crowd, stunned, watched as Joe Hendry crawled over and covered the fallen Lee. Santana threw the referee back in, who reluctantly counted the 1-2-3, giving Hendry the victory.
Joe Hendry rose to his feet, smirking, and pointed at Santana as the two men shook hands. The message was clear: Mike Santana and Joe Hendry were now aligned in NXT, and they were here to make a statement.
After the match, Santana grabbed a mic for a few short but fiery words. “You forgot about me. You all forgot who I was. But now, I’m back—and I’m not here to play games.”
The implications of Santana’s return are massive. Known for his hard-hitting, street-wise wrestling style from his days with LAX and other promotions, Santana adds a new layer of intensity and danger to the NXT roster. Pairing him with Joe Hendry—a man who thrives on charisma, confidence, and mind games—creates an unlikely yet compelling alliance.
Backstage, Lee was seen being checked on by medical staff, his face a mixture of pain and disbelief. He had fought valiantly but was completely blindsided by Santana’s return.
The NXT Universe now awaits answers. Why did Santana return at this moment? What is his relationship with Joe Hendry? And most importantly, how will Wes Lee respond to the betrayal and beatdown?
One thing is certain—Mike Santana’s return has shaken the foundation of NXT, and the landscape has forever changed.
