Former AEW star Mike Santana has opened up about his departure from the company in 2024, explaining in a new interview that a lack of growth and general unhappiness led to him repeatedly asking for his release.
‘I Need Constant Growth In My Life’
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show, Santana was candid about his reasons for leaving AEW. He stated that he is a person who needs to be constantly growing and felt that was not happening for him in the company.
“I’m the type of person where I need constant growth in my life. Especially in this line of work,” Santana said. “I’m also not the type of person that I can sit and collect a paycheck. That’s not me… I looked at it as I need to do what’s best for me, my career, my life, and my sanity. I did exactly that.”
Asking For His Release
Santana revealed that after his on-screen feud with his former tag team partner Ortiz had ended, he was no longer being brought to television tapings. It was at this point that he requested his release on multiple occasions before it was finally granted. “‘Yo, just get me out of here. I’m good.’ I asked two or three times and finally they granted me my release and I was like, ‘Thank you,'” he recalled.
Santana’s decision to bet on himself has paid off, as he signed with TNA Wrestling in April 2024 and has quickly risen to the top of the card. He is now set to compete in the main event of this Sunday’s TNA Slammiversary pay-per-view, where he will challenge for the TNA World Championship in a triple threat match against Trick Williams and Joe Hendry.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit The Ariel Helwani Show with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
