Andrade’s Second WWE Run Ends After Creative Clashes and Time Away from Programming

Andrade leaves WWE on a bitter note after having his last outing as part of SummerSlam's Six-Pack TLC title bout.

Andrade’s Second WWE Run Ends After Creative Clashes and Time Away from Programming

Andrade and Triple H (via WWE)

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Andrade’s second stint with WWE appears to have come to a rocky end. The former NXT Champion had been absent from television since teaming with Rey Fenix in the acclaimed Six-Team TLC Match for the Tag Team Championships at this year’s SummerSlam. Rumors intensified over the weekend when his profile was quietly shifted to the alumni section of WWE’s official website.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select confirmed that Andrade has officially parted ways with the company, less than two years after making his surprise return in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble. While initial reports left questions about whether Andrade had requested his release, new details from Sports Illustrated indicate the move was WWE’s call, and not a mutual decision.

The 35-year-old had been absent from television for nearly a month and was not backstage at recent tapings. While it is unclear whether he requested his release, as he did in 2021, sources confirmed this exit was not tied to budget cuts. The exact circumstances remain uncertain, especially since WWE rarely offers contracts as short as the year-and-a-half deal he reportedly signed.

For the unversed, this is Andrade’s second departure from WWE. His first run lasted six years, highlighted by an NXT Championship reign that included his classic match against Johnny Gargano at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia, as well as a run with the United States Championship. Andrade left the company around four years back, after requesting his release, and later joined AEW. 

His tenure there was marred by injuries and backstage issues, and his contract expired at the end of 2023. He returned to WWE at the 2024 Royal Rumble and picked up wins on Raw before sliding into the Mysterio family and LWO-Legado Del Fantasma storyline. Andrade also competed in this year’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match and most recently appeared in the aforementioned Six-Pack TLC Tag Title Match.

This is now believed to be his final WWE appearance. Despite a best-of-seven series with Carmelo Hayes and a short run as WWE Speed Champion, Andrade never found consistent momentum in his second stint. The timing of his release is especially surprising, given WWE’s ongoing push into lucha libre following their partnership with AAA and events like Triplemania 33 and Worlds Collide. 

Andrade even appeared at the WrestleMania 41 press conference announcing the deal, though he never competed on crossover shows. His history with AAA’s rival CMLL, where he first made his name as La Sombra, may have complicated matters. Moreover, his release follows the recent departure of Karrion Kross and Scarlett, who quickly resurfaced on the independent scene with a debut in GCW.

Former AEW World Champion MJF calls out Andrade after his reported WWE departure

It is safe to say that Andrade’s departure from the WWE is already starting to make rounds in the wrestling circles. And just hours after the news was made public, former AEW World Champion MJF publicly called out the Mexican superstar. The AEW star took to social media this afternoon, posting:

Andrade and MJF
Andrade and MJF (via WWE and AEW)

“Ay yo @AndradeElIdolo. Ima be in Mexico beating the ever-loving sh*t out of Mistico @CMLL_OFICIAL infront of all your broke a*s countrymen. Lmk if you wanna grab a marg before I hope on my jet to Toronto to whoop mark briscoes hillbilly a*s.”

This message comes days after the former AEW kingpin publicly called out Ronda Rousey for her burying of Alexa Bliss. As of now, the details of Andrade’s release remain unclear, though it’s widely believed he will be bound by a 90-day non-compete clause before competing elsewhere. 

Before returning to WWE at the start of 2024, Andrade spent over two years in AEW, from June 2021 until the end of 2023. The only time Andrade crossed paths with MJF in the ring was at All Out 2022 during the Casino Ladder Match, where MJF entered disguised as ‘The Devil.’ 

As for what comes next, all eyes are on the Mexican superstar’s next move. With no public statement from Andrade yet, it remains to be seen where he will land and continue his career.

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