Former AEW star Mike Santana has explained why he split up from current AEW talent Ortiz in a new interview.
Following AEW Revolution 2024, it was revealed that Mike Santana had been removed from the company’s roster page. It was later revealed that Santana was finishing up with All Elite Wrestling following the expiration of his contract with the promotion.
Santana came into AEW as one half of Proud N Powerful alongside Ortiz. The two aligned with Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara and Jake Hager in the Inner Circle before eventually splitting up in 2022 due to backstage differences.
In a new interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Mike Santana was asked about the fallout with his former tag team partner Ortiz. He answered:
“Well, we were together for 10 years, I think. And when you’re together with someone that long, it’s like a married couple. Right? There’s good, there’s bad.”
“And I think, honestly, for the most part, it was like, I think we just grew apart over time. And also our visions for the tag team and its future and, its success, we weren’t on the same page when it came to a lot of those things.”
“And it is what it is everybody has their thoughts. Everybody goes about things differently. But yeah, like I told you, I’m a go-getter.”
“I like to create opportunities for myself, I like, I’m more than willing to fight for our spot. But also, I’m not going to be the only one.”
On if there is any heat between him and Ortiz, Santana replied:
“I wouldn’t say [so]. I mean, for me, I don’t hold any [grudges]. I told him after the match Yo, I hope the best for you, hope you do well and there is no hard feelings.”
“I hold no hate no grudge, nothing. I’m in a different place in my life in general. And I’m good. I’m chillin’.”
Mike Santana is currently working on the independent wrestling scene where he holds the House of Glory World Championship.
Meanwhile, Ortiz still works for All Elite Wrestling at the time of this writing.
Transcription via 411Mania
Want to stay up to date with all the most important Wrestling and WrestleTalk News? Join our newsletter mailing list by clicking here, and selecting your preferences!
Trending
- Top AEW Star’s Contract To Expire Ahead Of All In London 2024
- Top WWE Star’s Contract Expiring In Three Weeks, Yet To Re-Sign
- More Long-Term WWE Names Gone From The Company
- Big Kenny Omega Update Following Recent AEW Return
- Top WWE Star Reacts To Production Botch Following SmackDown Win
- Nick Aldis Addresses WWE Reunion With Former Rival
- WWE Star Reacts To Incredible Crowd Reaction To Return After Almost A Year
- WWE Star Comments On In-Ring Return After A Year Away
- Bryan Danielson Discusses Plans For Final Full-Time AEW Match
- Unaired WWE King & Queen Of The Ring Matches Update