Ortiz feels that without each other, they would not have gotten to where they are in their respective careers.
Both Mike Santana and Ortiz are on the record speaking about their split from one another and opting to move in a singles direction for their respective careers.
As Ortiz was appearing on the Johnny I Pro Show, his history with Santana was delved into. Along the way, Ortiz was asked about his former partner's success in TNA and making his way onto WWE NXT programming. Ortiz said it's very cool and feels that without each other, they would not have made it as far as they have.
“Very cool (to see what Mike Santana is doing in TNA & WWE) and just especially because before AEW, before we signed with AEW, WWE was an option. So, it was like, ‘What do we choose?’ And ultimately, obviously, we ended up picking AEW but it’s cool that he’s now getting the opportunity to still be able to get that avenue in and it’s cool that they’re somewhat still interested in him or that it still exists. It’s really cool.
Honestly, if it wasn’t for him, especially early on in my career -- and with each other -- if we didn’t have each other, I don’t think I would have ever made it to this point to be honest. Now, I can confidently say if I had the mentality that I have now, I would 100 percent make it. But, I was a different human being in my early 20s, and us being able to rely on each other and then of course, when you struggle with someone, of course, you bond with somebody. You’re doing those 12, 15-hour drives. You’re both broke. We’re sharing food with each other, we’re figuring it out, we’re sleeping on floors, we’re sleeping in cars. Yeah man, we were definitely brother in arms for a really long time and honestly, if it wasn’t for him and vice versa for me for him, yeah, I don’t think we would have made it to the point that we made it to in our careers, and now sadly, we’re now doing the journey by ourselves but, it is what it is. That’s just life and kind of how things happen.”
Santana is gearing up to be in a three-way match for the TNA World Championship at Slammiversary. He'll be in the bout with Joe Hendry and the champion Trick Williams.
The contract signing for their match is taking place at NXT's Great American Bash Premium Live Event.
If the quotes in this article are used, please credit Johnny I Pro Show with an H/T to Fightful for the transcriptions.
