The decision-making process behind Santana and Ortiz’s pivotal career move from Impact Wrestling to AEW sheds light on the profound impact of family values and work-life balance in the world of professional wrestling. For Santana and Ortiz, the opportunity to join AEW presented not only a chance to further their careers but also a chance to prioritize their personal lives and well-being.
Family values have always been central to Santana and Ortiz’s identity, and their decision to make the transition to AEW reflects their commitment to ensuring a better future for themselves and their loved ones. By joining AEW, they sought to strike a balance between pursuing their professional aspirations and maintaining a fulfilling family life, a balance that they felt was more attainable within the AEW environment.
Furthermore, Santana and Ortiz’s move to AEW underscores the growing recognition within the wrestling industry of the importance of work-life balance and the need for wrestlers to prioritize their physical and mental health. As the industry continues to evolve, wrestlers like Santana and Ortiz are setting an example by prioritizing their well-being and demonstrating that success in wrestling can be achieved without sacrificing family and personal values.
In an interview with Chris Van Vliet on his “Insight” podcast, Mike Santana, formerly of AEW, candidly discussed the deliberations that led to their choice between the two wrestling juggernauts. Despite extensive talks with WWE, Santana revealed that the bond of trust established with Cody Rhodes, coupled with AEW’s more manageable schedule, ultimately swayed their decision in favor of the burgeoning promotion.
“Cody was the one who hired us, and we had already, before anything, we had spoken a while back, and we had given Cody our word before anything, and our word is everything,” Santana emphasized, underscoring the significance of integrity in their decision-making process.
Moreover, Santana highlighted the importance of prioritizing family commitments, particularly in light of their respective roles as fathers. While WWE presented enticing opportunities, including expedited transitions to the main roster and the prospect of remaining closer to home in New York, Santana and Ortiz recognized the potential toll on their family life, ultimately opting for the more accommodating schedule offered by AEW.
“At the time, we both had young children, we wanted to see them grow up, and the schedule was much easier with AEW,” Santana revealed, shedding light on the paramount importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance amidst the demands of professional wrestling.
Despite their decision to join AEW, Santana and Ortiz faced internal challenges that eventually led to their split, highlighting the complexities of navigating relationships and professional aspirations in the high-pressure world of wrestling.
In hindsight, Santana and Ortiz’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of family values and integrity in shaping career decisions, transcending the glitz and glamour of the wrestling industry.