Santana and Ortiz, collectively known as Proud & Powerful, began working indies together in 2012 and became known to the masses when they signed with Impact Wrestling, becoming part of Konnan’s LAX stable. Subsequently, they won the Impact World Tag Team Championships four times, so once their deals with Impact expired, they were firmly on the radar of both WWE and AEW, ultimately choosing AEW and debuting at All Out in 2019 before becoming part of The Inner Circle.
Yet, things haven’t been smooth sailing for the duo, and after more than 400 matches together, rumors would spread that they had fallen out, with it claimed they didn’t want to be in the vicinity of each other. And now Konnan has commented on their falling out during his podcast, saying that as he looks at them like sons, he is heartbroken. Additionally, revealing that Santana and longtime associate Eddie Kingston almost came to blows over the situation.
It breaks my heart because I spent a lot of time with them, and I’ve said before that they’re like my sons. I heard it almost got physical with Santana and Kingston over this. It’s not a good look, bro. I really hate seeing that these two guys who could have gone to WWE and really f*cking blown up, that they separated. I can see Santana when his contract is up, leaving. Ortiz is very chill and laid back. Santana is more of a hothead.
KonnanSantana is currently sidelined with a knee injury that occurred during a Blood & Guts match almost four months ago, which was awful timing because it’s understood his contract was coming up. Nevertheless, Tony Khan would say while being interviewed on Busted Open that he was standing by the AEW original and supporting him through the injury. Although whether he has a future in AEW once he recovers remains to be seen. Alternatively, Ortiz is still being used, and after forming an intergender tag team with Ruby Soho, he has begun teaming with Kingston.
