It looks like Andrade’s second WWE run has come to an abrupt end. Over the weekend, fans noticed the former NXT Champion had been shifted to the Alumni section of WWE.com, and reports have since confirmed that he is no longer with the company.
According to Fightful Select, Andrade still had around 18 months left on his contract, but the move had apparently been in motion for at least a week. Interestingly, several talent within WWE were said to be blindsided by the news, with some admitting they had no idea he was leaving. Andrade also hadn’t been seen backstage at SmackDown in recent weeks, fueling speculation behind the scenes.
“The Takedown on SI” has reported that WWE made the call to let go of the former AEW star, and they also noted that the Mexican star’s exit was not a “mutual decision.”
Dave Meltzer also reported on “Wrestling Observer Radio” that his release was disciplinary in nature from an incident a few weeks ago.
“…all I know is it was at a TV shoot and he was told to go home and he hasn’t been used since,” Meltzer said. “I was told it was not drug-related. It was not alcohol-related. It was not marriage-related, although the marriage [to Charlotte Flair] is over. But nobody would tell me what it was. It was enough to be sent home, and when he was sent home… The feeling when he got sent home was that it must be serious, because you don’t hear about that.”
Meltzer said that when he was sent home, those in the know assumed Andrade was done, but the confirmation came on Saturday. He said he didn’t know the whole story outside of it being disciplinary but it wasn’t Andrade’s choice to leave.
A Run Cut Short
Andrade’s departure ends his second stint in WWE, which began with a surprise return in the 2024 Royal Rumble after leaving AEW. His comeback seemed promising, but ultimately, it never reached the heights of his first WWE tenure, where he captured both the NXT Championship and United States Championship.
This latest run saw Andrade hold the WWE Speed Championship for 161 days, but beyond that, major opportunities were few and far between. His last appearance came at SummerSlam, teaming with Rey Fenix in a Six-Pack TLC Match for the WWE Tag Team Titles. Fightful notes that creative originally had Andrade and Fenix penciled in to face The Wyatt Sicks at Clash at Paris, but plans were scrapped when his status with the company became uncertain.
What’s Next for El Idolo?
With Andrade now gone, the big question is where he lands next. While AEW seems like the most obvious destination, his first exit from Tony Khan’s promotion wasn’t exactly smooth. Still, sources told Fightful that “no bridge is truly burned” in AEW, leaving the door cracked open for a potential return.
On the personal side, Andrade’s run also coincided with his divorce from Charlotte Flair, which drew some headlines earlier this year.
For now, fans will be keeping a close eye on Andrade’s next move. Whether it’s AEW, a return to Mexico, or another surprise destination, the former “El Idolo” remains one of wrestling’s most gifted in-ring talents — and there’s little doubt he’ll find a spotlight again soon.
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