Andrade’s name has officially joined the WWE alumni ranks after his recent release, marking the end of his second run with the company less than two years after his return. Multiple credible sources, including PWInsider and Fightful Select, confirm the decision was made by WWE higher-ups and was not a mutual parting. The news comes amid backstage speculation over what led to his departure and whether personal matters involving Charlotte Flair may have played a role.

Andrade’s WWE Exit Confirmed: The Facts

As of September 2025, Andrade no longer appears on WWE’s active roster and has been moved to the alumni section on WWE.com, officially confirming his release[1][2][3]. Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp was among the first to report the move, crediting fans who noticed the change on the website. This release happens roughly a year and a half after Andrade made a dramatic return at the January 2024 Royal Rumble following the conclusion of his AEW contract.

During this recent WWE run, Andrade began on the Raw brand, quickly setting his sights on climbing to world championship status. He launched a solid winning streak against notable talent such as Apollo Crews and Giovanni Vinci before being drafted to SmackDown during the 2024 WWE Draft[2]. On SmackDown, Andrade aligned himself with his former manager Zelina Vega and the Latin American World Order (LWO) in a storyline against Santos Escobar’s Legado Del Fantasma faction. This led to a few multi-person tag matches but failed to translate into a major singles push or title run.

His last significant appearance was at the Clash in Paris event, where Andrade was part of a six-man tag team match that ended in defeat[2]. WWE insiders reveal that Andrade had been absent from TV tapings for nearly a month prior to the announcement, fueling speculation that his release was sudden and not entirely voluntary[3][4].

Who Made the Call on Andrade’s Release?

Backstage sources emphasize that Andrade’s release was a decision made by WWE management, not a request from the star himself. According to Fightful and insider reports, it was not a mutual decision nor related to the budget cuts that have led to other WWE talent departures in recent years[3][4]. The precise reasoning behind WWE’s move remains unclear, though it appears to be more performance or creative-driven rather than financial.

One WWE insider told Wrestling Headlines that “WWE higher-ups ultimately decided Andrade’s role within the company no longer aligned with their vision moving forward.” While Andrade is recognized for his in-ring talent and past accomplishments, his second run lacked consistent storytelling or championship opportunities, which reportedly disappointed WWE officials.

The Charlotte Flair Divorce Rumors: Fact or Fiction?

Adding complexity to the narrative are persistent rumors that Andrade’s personal life, specifically his divorce from Charlotte Flair, influenced WWE’s decision. The couple’s split became public in early 2025, with their divorce finalized late in 2024[1]. Since then, some fans and insiders have wondered if backstage politics, potentially involving Flair—one of WWE’s top stars—played a role in Andrade’s release.

Charlotte Flair addressed the news on Twitter following the confirmation, posting a cryptic, supportive message: “ps I hope you feel beautiful today 🫶🏻”[1]. However, sources close to WWE and Andrade firmly deny that Flair’s involvement had any bearing on his departure. As one backstage source explained to Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown, “There was no connection between Andrade’s release and any backstage interference from Charlotte. This was strictly a company decision based on Andrade’s current standing.”

Comparing Andrade’s First and Second WWE Runs

Andrade’s two WWE tenures show a stark contrast in trajectory. His initial run from 2016 to 2020 was highlighted by a stellar NXT Championship reign and a United States Championship victory on the main roster. That period is widely regarded as the peak of his WWE career[2]. He left WWE in 2021 by his own request before making a high-profile move to AEW, where his stock remained strong.

His return to WWE was met with high expectations, but fans and critics alike viewed his 2024-2025 run as underwhelming. Despite some promising booking early on, Andrade never broke through as a top-tier singles star or challenger, which may have contributed to WWE’s decision to release him[2][3].

What’s Next for Andrade?

Industry insiders speculate that Andrade, still just 35 years old, has plenty of options ahead. His reputation as a gifted technician and charismatic performer makes him a valuable asset on the independent circuit or international promotions such as New Japan Pro Wrestling or Impact Wrestling. Additionally, AEW could be a viable destination once again if he desires to return to that environment.

A source close to Andrade shared with Wrestling Headlines: “He’s taking this time to evaluate his next moves carefully. Andrade wants to be in a place where he can be creatively fulfilled and appreciated.” Given his pedigree and skill set, a strong comeback in wrestling looks likely.

WWE’s Broader Talent Strategy

Andrade’s release is part of a continuing trend where WWE is recalibrating its roster, prioritizing younger homegrown talent and those with ready-made storylines or upward momentum. This strategy shift has seen other veterans let go or sidelined as WWE reshapes its creative direction heading into the latter half of 2025 and beyond.

While some fans lament Andrade’s exit, others recognize the highly competitive and often unpredictable nature of WWE’s backstage dynamics. For Andrade, the next chapter may bring fresh opportunities and a chance to reinvent himself outside WWE’s framework.

This article is based on verified reports from WWE.com, Fightful Select, PWInsider, Sports Illustrated, Twitter posts by Charlotte Flair, and reputable wrestling news outlets as of September 14, 2025.