Major WWE faction has officially split, SmackDown star confirms
A SmackDown Superstar recently announced the break up of a top WWE faction after two years. The 35-year-old also provided an update on her relationship with her former teammates.
The faction in question is none other than The O.C. AJ Styles reunited with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson in 2022 as he feuded with The Judgment Day. Nearly a month later, Michin (fka Mia Yim) joined the group. They remained together for about two years. Although Styles seemingly distanced himself from his teammates upon his return from injury earlier this year, Gallows and Anderson last appeared with Styles when they prevented security from interference as their O.C. leader attacked Cody Rhodes on SmackDown in May. Meanwhile, Michin appeared with Gallows and Anderson on NXT two months ago.
In a recent interview with Seconds Out, Michin confirmed the break up of The O.C, disclosing that they "do not talk that often":
"They are still family to me even though we don't talk that often. We're not a group anymore," she said.
Meanwhile, the 35-year-old SmackDown star insisted her former teammates were still her family, recalling how they took care of her during their time together as a faction:
"But they are still family to me. They have taken great care of me, especially on the road being, I used to driving to show to show by myself. AJ like, 'Hey, let us know when you make it in.' Like, 'Make sure that you're good. If you need a ride with us, please feel free.' And it's just reassuring to know that I have a group that is willing to look out for me and to make sure that I was always safe. And there has been several incidents where like Luke and Karl had to sandwich me to protect me from crazy people. So, I felt very safe and secure with them. And they also taught me how to tan and oil up. So, I'll never take that for granted," she added. [1:23 - 2:05]
Michin failed to win the WWE Women's Championship on SmackDown
The former O.C. member has been getting a singles push in the past few weeks. The 35-year-old entered a feud with the WWE Women's Champion Nia Jax. Last night on SmackDown, Michin challenged The Irresistible Force for the title in a Street Fight Match.
The match saw interference from Ms. Money in the Bank, Tiffany Stratton, who rushed to the ring after Michin put Jax through a table to attack the challenger. However, Bayley rushed to the ring to help Michin before Stratton hit her with The Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Despite Michin's efforts, the WWE Women's Champion finished off her opponent with a Samoan Drop through a table followed by an AnNiahlator to retain her title.
With Michin no longer a part of The O.C., it would be interesting to see what WWE has planned for the SmackDown star.
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