As the most well-known US wrestling reporter Dave Meltzer reports in his Wrestling Observer Radio, there was a momentous clash behind the scenes some time ago, which has now resulted in Andrade’s departure.
“I don’t know the whole story, but I know it’s a disciplinary matter,” Meltzer reports. It’s “not about alcohol and drugs” and not about personal tensions resulting from Andrade’s broken marriage to WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair. However, something happened during a TV taping that led to Andrade “being sent home and not being used since.”
Andrade fought his last WWE match in early August, when he and his partner Rey Fenix were part of a chaotic TLC match for the tag team titles.
WWE and Andrade are parting ways for the second time: The former NXT and US Champion requested his release from WWE in 2021 and was ultimately granted it.
He moved to rival AEW, where he played a larger role in the program as Andrade El Idolo – but where there was also some backstage friction. Among other things, he was suspended for a backstage altercation with fellow wrestler Sammy Guevara and recurring irritation over Andrade’s public flirtation with leaving the company.
Andrade ultimately let his AEW contract expire and returned to his former employer after a final match against Miro/Rusev, who has since also returned to WWE. Andrade’s personal thanks to AEW boss Tony Khan brought the turbulent engagement to a somewhat conciliatory end.
Where will Andrade’s path lead now?
After his surprise appearance at the 2024 Royal Rumble, Andrade was ultimately unable to build on his earlier successes: he did not win any title belts apart from the junior Speed Title.
Andrade’s departure from WWE creates a tricky situation, because the purchase of the Mexican AAA league by WWE’s parent company TKO means that Andrade is also out of the game there.
The logical options for the former La Sombra on a bigger stage are two former employers who are now linked by a cooperation agreement: AEW and the traditional Mexican league CMLL.
CMLL is likely to be very interested in Andrade’s return, especially in view of the intensified competition in Mexico due to the WWE-AAA collaboration. Andrade is one of the biggest stars of his generation in his home country. AEW, where Mexican stars have always been the focus of interest, is also likely to consider re-signing him despite the past turmoil.
Whether Andrade’s path actually leads back there will become clear once the usual WWE notice period of 90 days has expired.
