In September 2013, Garrett received a tryout in WWE's developmental territory NXT on the September 13, 2013 tapings which aired on tape delay on October 9, where she faced Charlotte, who was accompanied by Bayley, in a losing effort.
In 2016, though not signed to WWE, Garrett made three appearances on NXT, losing to Asuka, Emma and Billie Kay.
On July 13, 2017, Garrett returned as part of the Mae Young Classic, being eliminated from the tournament in the first round by Piper Niven. She then appeared in a dark match, on July 14, 2017 in a six-woman tag team match, teaming with Marti Belle and Sarah Logan against Jazzy Gabert, Kay Lee Ray and Tessa Blanchard.
She made an appearance on the October 26, 2017 episode of NXT, participating in a battle royal which was won by Nikki Cross to determine one of the contenders for the vacant NXT Women's Championship at NXT TakeOver: WarGames.
On the July 4, 2018 episode of NXT, Garrett was defeated by Dakota Kai.
In mid-August 2019, it was announced that Garrett has been officially signed to a contract and would report to the Performance Center. On November 6, 2019 episode of NXT, Santana made her in-ring debut in a losing effort against Taynara Conti. On December 18, Garrett was defeated by Io Shirai. On January 15, 2020, Santana was an entrant in the NXT Women's Number 1 Contender's Battle Royal to face Rhea Ripley for the NXT Women's Championship at NXT TakeOver: Portland but was eliminated by Shayna Baszler. On February 12, 2020, Santana was squashed by Bianca Belair in 45 seconds. Garrett ended her losing streak on the June 3, 2020 episode of NXT with a win over Aliyah. On the July 1, 2020 episode of NXT, Santana was squashed by the returning Mercedes Martinez. Santana entered the 2021 women's Royal Rumble at number twelve; she was eliminated in by Rhea Ripley without eliminating anyone herself. On June 2, 2021, Garrett was released by WWE.