Andrade has officially been released from WWE, with his profile quietly moved to the alumni section of WWE.com, confirming his departure after a year-and-a-half return that began at the 2024 Royal Rumble[1][2]. Multiple sources inside WWE report the decision was made by WWE higher-ups and was not a mutual agreement or at Andrade’s request[3][4].

The 35-year-old former NXT Champion and United States Champion returned to WWE in January 2024 following a stint in AEW, generating renewed excitement from fans. During this run, Andrade captured the WWE Speed Championship and formed a notable tag team with Rey Fenix. Their partnership culminated in a high-profile Six-Pack Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match for the WWE Tag Team Championship on Night 2 of SummerSlam 2025—Andrade’s final WWE match[2][3].

Backstage reports reveal Andrade had been absent from WWE tapings for nearly a month before news of his release broke, with talent learning of his exit over the weekend. The release is not related to budget cuts, a common factor in past WWE roster adjustments[3][6]. However, the exact reasons behind the release remain unclear, causing speculation within wrestling circles and among insiders.

Was Charlotte Flair Involved in the Decision?

Speculation has swirled regarding Andrade’s recent divorce from fellow WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair—filed in June 2024, finalized in October 2024, and made public early this year—which some fans and insiders conjectured might have played a role in Andrade’s release[1]. However, there is no concrete evidence linking Charlotte Flair to the decision to release Andrade. WWE and insiders have not confirmed any involvement.

After reports of Andrade’s release surfaced, Charlotte took to Twitter with a cryptic message, saying, “ps I hope you feel beautiful today 🫶🏻,” which fueled rumors but stopped short of confirming any connection to Andrade’s departure[1].

Who Made the Call to Release Andrade?

According to reports from multiple wrestling news outlets and insiders, the release decision came from WWE’s upper management and was not a collaborative or mutual agreement with Andrade himself[1][3][4]. Sources indicate Andrade did not seek this release, contrasting with his 2021 departure when he requested to leave the company to sign with AEW[3].

The decision surprised many backstage, especially considering Andrade’s recently featured tag team storyline and active role on WWE television. WWE typically offers longer contractual deals, making the relatively short year-and-a-half tenure in this recent run unusual[3].

What’s Next for Andrade?

With Andrade now officially a free agent, speculation about his next career move is widespread. Possible avenues include a return to AEW, where he previously had notable success, or a run in Mexican wrestling promotions. His departure leaves open the question of whether he will reinvent himself in a new environment or return to wrestling in a different capacity.

Summary of Key Points:

• Andrade’s release was confirmed after he was moved to the alumni section on WWE.com[1][2].
• The release was reportedly made by WWE higher-ups and was not mutual or requested by Andrade[3][4].
• His last WWE match was at SummerSlam 2025 in a Six-Pack TLC Tag Team Championship match alongside Rey Fenix[2].
• Andrade had been absent from WWE tapings for nearly a month before the release news became public[3].
• The decision is not related to budget cuts; the real reasons remain unclear[3][6].
• Speculation about Charlotte Flair’s involvement remains unsubstantiated, with no official confirmation[1].
• Andrade’s future plans are currently unknown, sparking widespread industry speculation[2][3].

According to a WWE insider, “The choice to release Andrade was internal and abrupt, catching many in the locker room off guard given his recent television role. There’s more beneath the surface that may come out later.” This insider emphasizes WWE’s continued volatility in talent decisions and how storytelling factors intertwine with behind-the-scenes management.

As WWE fans digest the news, Andrade’s legacy as a skilled and charismatic performer endures. His next chapter promises to be an important one for his career and for the wider wrestling landscape.

This article synthesizes reports from WWE.com, Fightful Select, Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown podcast, and multiple wrestling news outlets providing backstage insights as of September 2025.