Andrade El Idolo’s abrupt departure from WWE was not a typical contract expiration or mutual decision but a release initiated by the company due to disciplinary reasons, specifically related to a wellness policy violation, sources close to the situation have confirmed.
According to The Takedown on Sports Illustrated, which corroborated earlier reports from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, Andrade’s release came after WWE discovered at least one breach of their Wellness Policy during his latest run with the company[2]. While the exact nature of the violation remains undisclosed, insiders confirm Andrade was suspended without pay and was escorted out of the building during a SmackDown taping last month—a move that abruptly ended his involvement with ongoing WWE storylines, notably a tag team partnership with Rey Fenix that was gaining momentum[2].
Several details indicate that Andrade had been increasingly difficult for WWE officials to reach in the weeks leading up to his dismissal. Reports from Bodyslam Wrestling and other wrestling news outlets revealed that Andrade was not present backstage at SmackDown events and was removed from WWE’s active roster listings before transitioning to the alumni section on WWE.com, a telltale sign the company was preparing for his exit[1][4].
Andrade had only recently made a return to WWE in January 2024, debuting at the Royal Rumble and quickly becoming a featured performer on SmackDown. His run included notable rivalries—such as a heated feud with Carmelo Hayes—and a promising alliance with Rey Fenix, positioning him as a dynamic figure within the brand’s mid-card scene[1]. His release, therefore, has disrupted those plans and leaves open questions about his future in professional wrestling.
Fightful and other insider reports suggest that WWE’s decision was firm and unilateral, dismissing any speculation that Andrade requested his own release or that the move was part of broader WWE budget cuts or roster downsizing[4][5]. “It was WWE’s call,” a credible WWE insider told PWMania. “They treat the Wellness Policy as a hard line, and with Andrade’s violation, combined with a suspension and his attitude backstage, the company felt it best to part ways quickly.”
The WWE Wellness Policy is a comprehensive program targeting substance abuse, including banned substances and performance-enhancing drugs, as well as mandatory testing protocols. Over the years, violations of this policy have often led to suspensions and terminations depending on the severity and repeat offenses. Andrade’s suspension underscores WWE’s continued enforcement of this policy among its talent roster[2][3].
As for Andrade’s future, multiple wrestling outlets speculate that he remains a valuable talent on the independent circuit and potentially in rival promotions. Before his WWE return, Andrade had a noteworthy tenure in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), from which he departed in late 2023. AEW’s willingness to re-sign him remains uncertain, but some reports suggest that the door might remain open, depending on negotiations and Andrade’s willingness to address the issues that led to his WWE release[1].
Additionally, opportunities could exist for Andrade in Mexico’s prominent wrestling promotions like Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) or even other international entities, where his star power and in-ring style are well appreciated. Analysts note that his in-ring skill and fanbase could facilitate a successful career resurgence outside WWE, assuming he resolves any personal or professional challenges flagged by the Wellness Policy breach.
This high-profile release highlights WWE’s ongoing commitment to enforcing its disciplinary protocols but also serves as a reminder of the pressures and pitfalls facing top-tier wrestling talent. Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely how Andrade reinvents his career moving forward.
Sources: The Takedown (Sports Illustrated), Wrestling Observer (Dave Meltzer), WWE.com, Fightful, Bodyslam, PWMania.