Mike Santana, now a rising star in TNA Wrestling, has candidly revealed that his decision to leave All Elite Wrestling (AEW) was driven by a deep need for professional growth and personal happiness. In a revealing interview with Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show, Santana shared that the latter part of his AEW tenure was marked by frustration and a feeling of stagnation that ultimately pushed him to request his release multiple times before AEW granted it[1][2].
“I’m the type of person where I need constant growth in my life. Especially in this line of work,” Santana explained. “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”[1]. This sentiment highlights the struggles that wrestlers often face behind the scenes, balancing financial security with personal and professional fulfillment.
Santana’s dissatisfaction grew after his on-screen feud with his former tag partner Ortiz concluded. He disclosed that post-feud, AEW stopped bringing him to television tapings—a move that fueled his desire to depart the company. “Yo, just get me out of here. I’m good,” Santana said, recalling how he asked for his release two or three times before the company finally granted it[1][2]. This confirmation dispels rumors that AEW forced Santana out, instead underscoring his proactive choice to prioritize his well-being over a guaranteed paycheck.
His journey has not been without hardship. Santana has been transparent about battling addiction during his AEW years, a struggle that was exacerbated by his unhappiness in the company[4]. His openness about this dark period has resonated with fans and colleagues alike, illustrating the real-life challenges behind the wrestling persona.
Since leaving AEW in 2024, Santana’s gamble has paid off handsomely. He signed with TNA Wrestling in April 2024 and quickly ascended to main event status. He is now booked to compete for the TNA World Championship in a triple threat match against Trick Williams and Joe Hendry at the upcoming TNA Slammiversary pay-per-view[1][3]. Sources close to Santana reveal that this opportunity has reinvigorated his passion for wrestling and affirmed his decision to leave AEW.
Industry insiders also note Santana’s move aligns with a broader trend of wrestlers seeking environments where creative freedom and character growth are prioritized. According to Fightful and WrestlingNews.co, Santana’s story is a reminder of the difficult decisions wrestlers face when balancing contractual security with career advancement[2][5].
In summary, Mike Santana’s story is one of resilience and self-advocacy in an often unpredictable wrestling industry. His repeated requests for release from AEW and his subsequent success with TNA illustrate the importance of pursuing environments that foster growth and personal well-being. Fans can expect to see more from Santana as he competes on one of TNA’s biggest stages this July.
Quotes courtesy of The Ariel Helwani Show with transcription assistance from WrestlingNews.co and Fightful.