Andrade El Idolo has officially parted ways with WWE, ending his second run with the company just over a year after returning at the 2024 Royal Rumble. The former NXT Champion and United States Champion was quietly moved to WWE’s alumni section, confirming his release, and leaving fans and insiders wondering if more WWE roster cuts are imminent and what Andrade’s future holds, including a possible AEW return[1][2][4].

Details Behind Andrade’s WWE Release

Contrary to the usual scenario of contracts naturally expiring, Andrade still had more than 18 months remaining on his WWE deal when he was released, per backstage reports. Sources close to WWE indicated this was not a mutual decision initiated by Andrade; instead, it stemmed from creative frustrations and broader organizational changes within WWE’s talent management and creative direction[1][4].

Andrade’s WWE tenure has been a roller-coaster. Initially debuting in 2015, he rose in prominence as NXT Champion and later captured the WWE United States and Speed Championships. Released in 2021, he made a significant splash in AEW before returning to WWE in early 2024. His final televised match came at SummerSlam 2025 in a highly competitive TLC tag team bout alongside Rey Fenix against The Wyatt Sicks and others[1][2].

Internal WWE Creative Shifts and Their Impact

According to reports from Fightful Select and insiders, WWE’s creative team faced “forced changes” aimed at shifting programming direction, which affected roster utilization. Andrade reportedly struggled with booking and storyline opportunities during his return. WWE’s renewed focus on other talents and evolving company priorities may have contributed to his quiet exit rather than a high-profile release announcement[1][4].

A WWE insider told Wrestling Headlines, “Andrade was a talented performer, but recent creative changes limited the role he could play. This, combined with budget considerations, made his release a business decision rather than a reflection of his in-ring work.” This parallels a recent trend where WWE is pruning its roster for strategic reasons ahead of upcoming programming and financial restructuring[4].

Are More WWE Cuts on the Horizon?

The wrestling community is abuzz about whether Andrade’s departure signals a wave of upcoming WWE roster cuts. Sources speaking to Fightful and ringside insiders suggest that WWE is reviewing contracts and creative plans, indicating that additional releases might occur soon as part of the company’s ongoing adjustments.

While no official announcements regarding further cuts have been made, industry rumors and the timing of Andrade’s release fuel speculation that WWE may trim other underutilized or costly performers to balance budgets and refresh storylines[1][4].

Chances of Andrade Returning to AEW or Other Promotions

Given Andrade’s successful stint with AEW between 2021 and 2023 and the company’s ongoing support for high-profile free agents, many fans and analysts speculate an AEW return is plausible. His former AEW run was well-regarded, and the promoter’s open door policy toward expelled WWE talent increases the likelihood of Andrade’s signing.

Sources with knowledge of Andrade’s career decisions told Wrestling Headlines, “Andrade’s relationship with AEW remains cordial, and if the right opportunity arises, a return is certainly on the table.” However, Andrade may also explore independent circuits or international promotions depending on offers and personal preferences[1][2][4].

What This Means for WWE and Andrade Moving Forward

For WWE, Andrade’s departure reflects a broader trend of recalibrating their roster and creative strategies to address both financial and narrative objectives. The company’s focus now shifts to elevating emerging talent and prioritizing storylines that align with new corporate goals.

For Andrade, this release could be an opportunity to reset and find fresh momentum elsewhere in the wrestling world. Given his credentials and fanbase, he remains a valuable asset capable of making impactful returns, whether in AEW, Mexico’s AAA, or other markets.

In conclusion, Andrade’s release from WWE is a significant development with implications for roster management and creative directions inside the company. While his future at WWE has ended for now, opportunities abound for the versatile performer in other wrestling arenas. As always, wrestling fans should stay tuned for updates as more news breaks.

Sources: WWE.com alumni page updates, Fightful Select reports, Wrestling Headlines backstage insights, Ringside News, and eWrestlingNews coverage.