In a candid interview shedding light on his departure from All Elite Wrestling, former AEW star Mike Santana has opened up about the surprising circumstances surrounding his tag team’s failure to capture the coveted AEW Tag Team Championships. Santana revealed that despite their undeniable chemistry and talent, unforeseen challenges within the company’s booking and creative direction hindered their ascent to championship glory.
Reflecting on their journey in AEW, Santana expressed gratitude for the opportunities they received but acknowledged the frustrations that ultimately led to their decision to part ways with the promotion. He emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity and maintaining integrity in the pursuit of professional success.
As Santana embarks on the next chapter of his wrestling career, he remains optimistic about the future and eager to prove himself in new endeavors. His candid insights offer a glimpse into the complexities of navigating the competitive world of professional wrestling and the resilience required to overcome obstacles along the way.
As one half of the dynamic duo Proud and Powerful alongside Ortiz, Santana made an immediate impact on AEW’s inaugural episode of Dynamite, aligning themselves with Chris Jericho as part of The Inner Circle. With a proven track record and previous success in Impact Wrestling, many fans anticipated a reign atop the tag team division for Santana and Ortiz. However, despite their undeniable talent and chemistry, the duo fell short of capturing the championship gold.
In a revealing conversation with Chris Van Vliet following his departure from AEW, Santana candidly addressed the question on everyone’s minds: why were they never crowned AEW Tag Team Champions?
Santana’s response was as candid as it was surprising. He expressed frustration at being told there were “too many other people fighting for that spot,” a rationale that left him feeling disheartened and undervalued. Despite his efforts to advocate for himself within the company, Santana found himself sidelined from championship contention.
Moreover, Santana disclosed that there were indeed plans for him and Ortiz to capture the titles, with a scheduled match against inaugural champions Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky set to kickstart their championship reign. Tragically, Santana’s personal life intervened when his father passed away, derailing the planned program and altering the trajectory of his career.
The heart-wrenching loss not only impacted Santana on a personal level but also marked a turning point in his professional journey, as circumstances shifted in the wake of his absence. Despite the initial plans for championship glory, Santana’s dream of capturing the AEW Tag Team Championships was abruptly derailed by unforeseen tragedy.
As Santana continues to navigate the aftermath of his departure from AEW, his revelations provide a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of both life and professional wrestling.
