Daily Inspiration: Meet Melissa Santos

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Santos.

Hi melissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My background is in dance and performing, so connecting with an audience has been part of my life for a long time. In 2014, I started ring announcing, which opened the door to a career in professional wrestling and live entertainment. Through my work with Lucha Underground and Impact Wrestling and AEW. I learned how to bring energy to a room, think on my feet, and make the most of a live moment. You can prepare, but you also have to be ready for anything. That’s something I love about it.

Over the years, I’ve expanded into hosting and content creation. I’m bilingual in English and Spanish, and I love being able to connect with people in both languages. Whether I’m in an arena, hosting with my Live Play Bingo crew, or talking to people through a camera, I want them to feel comfortable with me. I want my personality to come through.

In 2024, I started Slaying with Santos, my true-crime platform. It gave me space to explore a different side of myself: asking questions, looking closely at people’s stories, and having conversations about difficult subjects. More recently, I’ve been working with INE Entertainment and stepping into producing, which has given me the chance to help shape stories behind the camera, too.

Alongside my career, I’m a wife, a mother of two, and a psychology major. Went back to school because I wanted to learn more about what makes people think the way they do and mental health is something this world lacks and I hope to provide therapy one day. There are days when that’s a lot to juggle, but I’m proud that I’ve continued making room for my own goals while raising my children. My faith is a big part of my life and how I approach all of it, so all my glory to God.

I’m still building. I love entertaining people, and I also want to make room for conversations that have some depth. At this point in my life, I’m bringing those interests together and giving myself permission to pursue more than one path.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the hardest parts has been figuring out how to keep pursuing my own goals while being present for my children. I’m a mother of two, I work, and I’m back in school studying psychology. Sometimes deadlines pile up, the kids need me, and there just aren’t enough hours in the day. I’ve had to make choices about what I can realistically take on.

After having my first child, I also experienced postpartum anxiety. That was a difficult time, and therapy was part of getting through it. I’m comfortable talking about it because it’s part of my story, even if it’s not something people would know from watching me work or seeing my social media.

More recently, developing a documentary has brought a different set of challenges. There’s a lot of outreach, scheduling, following up, and trying to get people comfortable having difficult conversations. You can care deeply about a project and still hit walls. That part takes patience.

I’m still figuring things out. My faith helps me, and I’m proud that I’ve kept going, but I don’t want to make it sound like I have some perfect system. Some days I feel on top of things. Other days, I have to step back, ask for help, and figure out what needs my attention first.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a bilingual host, ring announcer, content creator, and producer. Many people know me from Lucha Underground, AEW, Ring Of Honor and Impact Wrestling, where my voice became part of the show. Ring announcing is about timing, delivery, and knowing how to build anticipation. I love that moment when the crowd is waiting for a name and you get to bring that person into the ring.

Live hosting is a big part of my work, including my current role with Live Play Bingo. I bring a lot of personality and energy, and I’m comfortable interacting with an audience and responding in the moment. Being able to do that in English and Spanish gives me more ways to connect with people.

I also created Slaying with Santos, my true-crime platform, where I cover cases and discuss the people and circumstances behind the headlines. Studying psychology has given me more to think about as I approach those stories, particularly questions about behavior, relationships, and boundaries. These are real people’s lives, and I want to be thoughtful about how I discuss them.

More recently, I’ve been working as a producer. After spending years in front of the camera, I’m enjoying having more input into the stories being developed and the conversations we’re bringing to the screen.

What I bring to my work is a combination of live performance experience, curiosity, and a willingness to be myself. I can bring the energy a wrestling show needs, but I also enjoy sitting down with someone and giving them room to talk. I’m proud that I’ve continued to build on my experience and take on work that challenges me. I want people to recognize my voice and feel that there’s a real person behind it.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?

When it comes to finding a mentor, I’d look for someone whose approach to their work you respect and whose advice you’re willing to hear. Start with a conversation or a specific question. You don’t have to ask someone to take on a huge role in your life before you’ve gotten to know each other, and just keep building in that direction.

And be someone people can count on. Come prepared, follow through, and say thank you. Reaching out can open a conversation, but how you treat people matters long after that first introduction.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/melissasantosofficial/