Former AEW star says he had talks with WWE shortly after parting ways with Tony Khan
A former AEW star disclosed he had talks with WWE after departing the promotion. The name being discussed is Mike Santana.
The 33-year-old star has been known for his tag team with Ortiz. The duo received much attention when they joined Chris Jericho's Inner Circle on the inaugural episode of Dynamite. However, things started to fall apart for the Proud and Powerful after a couple of years in AEW.
For those who don't know, Mike wanted a singles push in AEW and to break his team with Ortiz, but Tony Khan denied this request. He wrestled his last match in the promotion against Ortiz in October 2023 and departed the company in March 2024. He has been officially signed to TNA since April 24, 2024.
In an interview with WhatCulture, Mike Santana revealed that he had talked with WWE after leaving the Jacksonville-based promotion.
"It was mainly [a feeling out]. There were conversations. It was nothing concrete, just seeing where both of our heads were at and seeing how things go. Every conversation that I had was great," said Santana. [H/T - Fightful]
Mike Santana talks about heat with Ortiz in AEW
The Proud and Powerful members were involved in real-life heat due to many creative differences, such as Santana wanting a singles run, while Ortiz wished to stay as a team.
Speaking on Insights with Chris Van Vliet, the 33-year-old star revealed he and his teammate weren't on the same page.
"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," Santana said.
It will be interesting to see if Proud and Powerful will join forces once again in the future.