Andrade’s unexpected exit from WWE has sparked widespread speculation, with new reports providing clarity on the circumstances behind his departure. Sources reveal that the former United States Champion was released following a violation of WWE’s Wellness Policy, leading to backstage tension and his eventual ghosting of the company in recent weeks.

According to a detailed report from Pwinsider, Andrade’s Wellness Policy breach was known among WWE talent since August and resurfaced prominently in conversations backstage last Saturday. This incident wasn’t Andrade’s first infraction, as he faced a suspension for a similar violation during his earlier WWE tenure in January 2020 when the company publicly disclosed wellness violations[2]. The recent violation, however, notably impacted WWE’s creative plans, especially involving Andrade’s tag team partnership with Rey Fenix[2].

Multiple credible wrestling news outlets, including Wrestling Inc and Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown, have confirmed that Andrade’s WWE release was a decision made by the company, not a mutual agreement or at Andrade’s request. He had not been seen backstage on WWE SmackDown tapings for nearly a month prior to the official announcement and was even escorted out of a WWE taping unexpectedly, an action tied to disciplinary measures related to his wellness suspension[1][3].

During his 2024 comeback to WWE at the Royal Rumble, Andrade appeared promising, capturing the WWE Speed Championship in June before dropping it to Dragon Lee months later[1]. He also participated in high-profile matches such as the six-team ladder match for the WWE Tag Team Championships at SummerSlam, teaming with Rey Fenix. Since then, Fenix resumed a singles career, with Andrade’s absence becoming increasingly conspicuous on WWE programming[1].

Industry insiders suggest the Wellness Policy violation severely disrupted Andrade’s trajectory, as WWE is stringent about policy adherence, reflecting its commitment to athlete health and company image. Although WWE has not publicly disclosed specific details regarding the violation, its handling involved suspension without pay and immediate removal from events and tapings[2][3].

This development disproves earlier rumors linking Andrade’s departure to interests from other promotions such as AAA. Instead, all evidence points toward WWE’s disciplinary action as the catalyst for the separation[reference]. The decision also underscores WWE’s evolving approach to roster management, where talent infractions prompt swift corporate responses irrespective of a wrestler’s star power or storyline position[1][2].

Sources close to WWE confirm that Andrade’s recent ghosting—his absence without formal explanation during live events and tapings—was linked to the behind-the-scenes disciplinary situation. The backstage environment reportedly grew tense as word circulated about his absence and pending release, with many locker room members learning of developments concurrently with fans[1].

In summary, Andrade’s departure from WWE was a consequence of a Wellness Policy violation resulting in suspension and a subsequent decision by WWE management to terminate his contract. His ghosting in recent weeks, the sudden escort from tapings, and the removal from WWE’s official roster pages all align with WWE’s zero-tolerance stance on policy adherence and disciplinary matters.

WWE fans and insiders will continue to monitor Andrade’s career trajectory closely, especially given his proven in-ring talent and prior success with other promotions like AEW. Whether Andrade will seek new opportunities outside WWE remains to be seen, but his exit serves as a notable example of WWE’s firm disciplinary protocols shaping roster dynamics in 2025.

Reported by WWE.com, Fightful, Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown, Wrestling Inc, and Ringside News.