WWE reportedly scrapped plans for newly signed WWE star’s debut match against former United States Champion on SmackDown

Former United States Champion was scheduled to fight against the newly signed star's first WWE match, which was scrapped.

WWE reportedly scrapped plans for newly signed WWE star’s debut match against former United States Champion on SmackDown

SmackDown 2025 arena [via WWE]

On the upcoming episode of SmackDown, former AEW wrestler Rey Fenix will make his WWE debut. He is a multiple-time tag champion with his brother Penta, who has been making waves since his arrival on Raw. Initially, he was set to face fellow Mexican wrestler Andrade, but that plan has changed.

According to WrestleVotes, a segment featuring Nick Aldis and Andrade was planned for the March 21st episode of SmackDown. WWE scrapped the segment where the SmackDown GM wanted the former United States Champion to work with new talent. This cut suggests that WWE initially planned for Rey Fenix to face Andrade.

Many fans are disappointed that WWE has no clear plans for him despite his impressive return at last year’s Royal Rumble. He had brief moments of relevance, teaming with Rey Mysterio to defeat Dominik Mysterio and Santos Escobar at WrestleMania XL. More recently, his best-of-seven series against Carmelo Hayes was well received and praised by fans.

On the February 28th episode of SmackDown, he faced Jacob Fatu in his last televised match, which he unfortunately lost. After a month-long hiatus, the 35-year-old returned at WWE Live Shows in London on March 22 and 23, where he faced Hayes and won both matches. Fans are eagerly waiting for Andrade to receive a major opportunity.

Carmelo Hayes talks about his favorite match with Andrade from the famous best of seven series

Since joining the main roster, Melo has faced top stars like Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. However, the standout moment of his run so far has been his best-of-seven series with Andrade. Their rivalry began after Money in the Bank, leading to seven intense matches. The former NXT Champion later revealed his favorite match from the series.

Andrade and Carmelo Hayes
Andrade and Carmelo Hayes [via WWE]

While speaking with MuscleManMalcolm on his channel, Hayes shared that Game Six was one of his favorite matches. He felt that this was the match where he truly figured out Andrade and came closest to winning. He also enjoyed Game Seven but said LA Knight ruined it by attacking both of them while serving as the special guest referee.

Probably game six… game seven was freaking screwed by LA Knight what’s new? Game six probably my favorite, that was my one that I felt like closest to winning. I felt like I learned his game plan, I felt like me and him were just clicking. Yeah, we went at it.

-Carmelo Hayes to Malcom Muscle

With the final match ending in a no contest, the best-of-seven series ended in a tie, with each winning three matches. Since then, both stars have faced challenges—while the former U.S. Champion has rarely appeared on TV, Hayes has suffered tough losses to Braun Strowman and LA Knight. Fans are eager to see both get a proper chance to shine.

Triple H to feature Andrade in the US Title picture at WrestleMania?

The U.S. title scene was at its peak when Knight won the championship, defending it against opponents like Andrade and Melo. However, after Shinsuke Nakamura became champion, the title was rarely defended, leaving wrestlers like them without direction. Now that The Megastar has regained the title, things could change.

Triple H and Andrade
Triple H and Andrade [via The Wrestling News]

Currently, Knight has no confirmed challenger for the U.S. title at WrestleMania. However, wrestlers like Jacob Fatu and Strowman are strong contenders. To make things more exciting, Triple H could add Andrade to the mix, setting up a multi-man match at WrestleMania 41.

After his latest backstage segment, fans believe a title shot is unlikely. Andrade was seen arguing with Legado Del Fantasma leader Santos Escobar. When he advised Escobar to keep his team united, Escobar warned him to stay out of his business. This tension could spark a heated rivalry between them.

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