When Santos Escobar revealed Romeo Malverde as the next chapter of his career, plenty of fans had the same reaction: why not just go back to El Hijo del Fantasma? Now, the former WWE star has finally answered that question.
Speaking with Soto619 Wrestling, Escobar said choosing Romeo Malverde wasn’t about leaving El Hijo del Fantasma behind. As far as he’s concerned, that character never disappeared in the first place.
“The new character, which I just announced on social media, is Romeo Malverde. For all the people out there who wanted me to go back to El Hijo del Fantasma—that has never left. If you’ve seen me everywhere I’ve gone and everything I’ve done, it’s always been embedded in my DNA.”
Escobar pointed to every major stop in his career as proof that the same foundation has always been there, regardless of the name on the marquee. Instead of revisiting an old identity, Escobar said he’d rather create something new.
“That’s why Santos Escobar was a hit. That’s why King Cuerno was a hit. That’s why El Hijo del Fantasma is still a hit if I want it to be. This business is about telling stories and putting smiles on people’s faces, not holding on to the past. It’s about creating new paths and opportunities.”
He also reflected on the end of his WWE run, saying he’s putting that chapter behind him and focusing entirely on what’s next.
“I gave everything, and it was all taken. Now it’s about new beginnings and reinvention.”
Escobar introduced the Romeo Malverde name shortly after his WWE non-compete clause expired, officially beginning the next phase of his career. While many expected him to revive the El Hijo del Fantasma persona that made him a star before WWE, Escobar made it clear he isn’t interested in looking backwards. In his eyes, that legacy already lives within everything he’s done. Romeo Malverde is simply the next story he wants to tell.
What do you think of Santos Escobar’s decision to create Romeo Malverde instead of reviving El Hijo del Fantasma? Let us know in the comments below.
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