Former NXT Champion and United States Champion Andrade has officially parted ways with WWE less than a year after his surprise return at the 2024 Royal Rumble, according to multiple reliable sources including Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp and Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown podcast. WWE quietly moved Andrade’s profile to their alumni page, confirming his exit from the company[1][2][4].

Andrade, whose real name is Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza, was in his second stint with WWE, returning in early 2024 after a successful run in AEW’s Continental Classic Grand Prix. His release arrests fans and insiders alike, especially considering he was involved in a prominent summer tag team program with Rey Fenix and had two recent title shots against The Wyatt Sicks, the reigning WWE Tag Team Champions[1][2].

Release Was Not a Mutual Decision

Although speculation initially suggested Andrade’s departure might have been by mutual consent, The Takedown podcast on Sports Illustrated clarified that the release was unilateral on WWE’s part. Sources revealed Andrade had not been backstage at WWE television tapings for nearly a month prior to the announcement, and the decision was not related to budgetary constraints — a common cause cited in recent WWE roster movements[2][5].

Industry insiders point to Andrade’s absence from backstage activities, his removal from WWE’s official active roster, and his quick transfer to the alumni section as signs that the split was sudden and possibly contentious. This contrasts with Andrade’s 2021 release, where he had requested his departure before joining AEW under the ring name Andrade El Idolo[1][2][5].

Potential Creative and Booking Issues Behind the Exit

Wrestling observers and insiders analyzing Andrade’s sudden exit suggest that behind-the-scenes creative and booking frustrations may have played a critical role. Reports from Ringside News and other outlets indicate Andrade struggled with WWE’s creative direction and booking decisions, a known challenge in his previous WWE tenure as well[3].

Given Andrade’s late-stage involvement in high-profile segments such as a best-of-seven series with Carmelo Hayes, Money in the Bank ladder matches, and teaming with legendary Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania 40, the release came as a surprise to many fans. It raises questions about WWE’s future plans for Andrade, as well as the company’s talent management approach for established stars returning from other promotions[1][3].

Summary of Andrade’s WWE Tenure

• Initially signed in 2015, Andrade won the NXT Championship and the United States Championship during his first WWE run.
• Departed WWE in 2021 after requesting his release, then made a significant impact in AEW as Andrade El Idolo.
• Returned to WWE at the 2024 Royal Rumble, leading to a fresh push with tag team runs, high-profile singles matches, and key pay-per-view appearances.
• Released in September 2025, with no public acknowledgment from Andrade so far[1][2].

Backstage Insight

According to a WWE insider who spoke confidentially to Fightful Select, Andrade’s release was not prompted by any disciplinary issues but rather stemmed from a mismatch between Andrade’s creative expectations and WWE’s booking philosophy. The source noted, “Andrade is a talented athlete and performer, but there were growing frustrations regarding how he was being used on television. It wasn’t a budget cut or injury situation; it just came down to WWE deciding to part ways”[1].

This insider further revealed that Andrade’s situation was handled quietly to avoid disrupting ongoing storylines, explaining his absence from weekly tapings and the delay in public confirmation. “WWE wanted to minimize attention around the release because Andrade was in the middle of an important storyline with Rey Fenix,” they added[1].

Fan and Wrestling Community Reaction

The news of Andrade’s WWE exit has prompted vocal reactions on social media and wrestling forums, with many fans expressing surprise given his visible role on recent shows. Some speculate the door remains open for Andrade’s potential return to AEW or a new chapter in independent circuits, following the pattern of high-profile wrestlers navigating between top promotions.

Sources close to Andrade have not yet issued any official statements, and his next career moves remain uncertain. Industry watchers suggest that Andrade’s proven in-ring skills and charismatic persona position him well for future opportunities outside WWE.

What’s Next for Andrade?

While WWE has not provided an official statement addressing Andrade’s release specifics, industry insiders highlight the wrestler’s adaptability and experience in various wrestling styles — from Lucha libre to American sports entertainment. Given his history and global appeal, multiple avenues remain viable for Andrade’s career, be it All Elite Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling, or international promotions.

As of now, WWE’s roster moves appear to continue focusing on younger homegrown talent, while established names like Andrade face uncertainty amid ongoing creative reshuffling and business strategy changes[1][2][3].

This article will be updated as additional information or statements become available.