Recent developments have once again raised questions about the future of Alberto El Patron, formerly known as Alberto Del Rio in WWE, especially following his dramatic exit from the Mexican promotion Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. Despite speculation fueled by his departure from AAA and rumors circulating online, multiple credible sources report that WWE currently has no plans to re-sign or use the two-time World Heavyweight Champion under their banner.

According to Fightful Select, insiders within WWE have made it clear that Alberto Del Rio’s status with the company remains unchanged despite his AAA exit[1]. On July 25, El Patron lost a brutal stipulation match to El Mesías, forcing him to leave AAA and effectively closing a significant chapter in his career there[1][2]. This high-profile loss came after Del Rio dropped the AAA Mega Championship to El Hijo del Vikingo a month earlier, which had already signaled a potential winding down of his run in the promotion[2].

No Interest from WWE Despite Rumors

El Patron himself has reportedly told members of the AAA locker room that WWE has contacted him about a possible Royal Rumble appearance[1]. However, WWE insiders strongly deny these claims. One senior source told Fightful,

“If we wanted Alberto at all, much less in the Royal Rumble, he’d be here.”[1]

This clarifies that WWE has not reached out with any offers and has no intention to bring him back, even for a one-off appearance. The same source emphasized that there has been “never any difference or change to his status”, highlighting WWE’s firm stance against involving Del Rio in forthcoming storylines or events[1].

WWE’s Clear Efforts to Distance from Del Rio

WWE’s distancing from Alberto Del Rio appears to have intensified after the company acquired AAA. Not only did WWE refrain from featuring Del Rio prominently, but they also took assertive steps to remove the AAA Mega Championship from him earlier this year, entrusting the title to other talent such as El Hijo del Vikingo[1][3]. This strategy was understood internally by WWE as a move that might provoke short-term backlash among Mexican wrestling fans but was seen as beneficial for the company’s long-term interests.

A report from BodySlam.net, cited by Cultaholic, confirms that WWE not only has no current plans to use Alberto El Patron in any capacity but that his association with the promotion is solely due to his contractual involvement with AAA, which WWE is in the process of acquiring[3]. There have been no discussions within WWE creative or management about integrating him back onto their programming.

Controversial Past Compounds Challenges

Alberto Del Rio’s complex past has also been a factor in WWE’s reluctance. The former WWE star has been a controversial figure, having faced serious criminal allegations in 2020, including aggravated kidnapping and sexual assault charges. Although these charges were eventually dismissed due to a witness not appearing in court, his reputation remains complicated within the industry[3].

Given WWE’s current branding and focus on family-friendly and inclusive content, sources suggest that the company is unlikely to take the risk of reintegrating a wrestler with such a fraught history, regardless of his in-ring abilities or past championship pedigree.

Praise from Wrestling Veterans, But Still No WWE Plans

Despite WWE’s stance, not all commentary on Alberto El Patron is negative. Wrestling legend JBL, speaking on the “Something to Wrestle” podcast, recently described El Patron as the best wrestler in the world today, praising his outstanding in-ring performances[2]. JBL’s endorsement highlights that from a pure wrestling standpoint, Del Rio’s talent is widely respected. Nevertheless, this recognition has not translated into renewed WWE interest.

What’s Next for Alberto El Patron?

With WWE clearly closing the door for the foreseeable future, Alberto El Patron faces uncertainty regarding his next career moves. Sources indicate that he remains “legitimately done in AAA”[1] and may attempt to pitch returns to multiple promotions, including both WWE and AAA, but so far those efforts appear unlikely to bear fruit.

The wrestling community and fans are left to speculate whether Del Rio will find a major wrestling platform again or if this truly marks the end of his run in the global spotlight. As of now, the consensus among insiders is that WWE’s decision is firm, and they are maintaining a consistent policy of non-engagement with him.

Final Thoughts

WWE’s reported lack of interest in bringing back Alberto Del Rio underscores the company’s careful approach to talent management and brand image in the post-AAA acquisition era. Despite rumors and fan hopes fueled by his AAA exit, the facts from reliable sources within WWE and the wrestling media point to a clear message: Alberto Del Rio is not in their plans for a return.

This situation serves as a stark reminder that past accolades and in-ring skill, while important, are not always enough to overcome the business and reputational considerations that major promotions like WWE must navigate.

For now, WWE fans and industry observers will continue to monitor El Patron’s career with interest, but the door to a WWE comeback appears firmly closed.