Mike Santana Explains Split From AEW Star Ortiz

AEW

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

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• Mike Santana
• Ortiz
• AEW

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