Less than a week after WWE abruptly released Andrade—a former United States Champion and NXT standout—questions about his next move and the reasons behind his firing have dominated wrestling news. Sources confirm that Andrade’s departure was disciplinary, not mutual, and not related to budget cuts, marking a definitive end to his second WWE tenure[1][2].

The Circumstances Behind Andrade’s WWE Release

Andrade’s exit from WWE was reportedly prompted by a combination of backstage issues and a violation of WWE’s Wellness Policy during his most recent run[1][3]. Unlike earlier in 2021, when he requested his release, this firing was company-initiated. Multiple insiders indicate Andrade faced suspension without pay and was even sent home mid-taping after disciplinary concerns surfaced[1][3].

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer clarified that Andrade’s suspension was unrelated to drugs, alcohol, or personal matters such as his divorce from Charlotte Flair, but the exact nature remains undisclosed[3]. Additionally, sources informed Sports Illustrated that Andrade wasn’t backstage for nearly a month leading up to his release[1]. Reports say WWE had major creative plans for Andrade’s tag team with Rey Fénix, but these were scrapped due to the disciplinary action[1].

Veteran wrestling analyst Dutch Mantell suggested Andrade may have intentionally made himself unreachable to WWE officials, effectively forcing the company’s hand in firing him[4]. On the podcast Story Time with Dutch Mantell, Mantell stated, “I think he wanted to get fired. He had to… he went weeks and weeks without calling them back. So, he was telling them, ‘Hey, I don’t want to be there’”[4]. While this perspective paints Andrade as disinterested in remaining with WWE, official reports maintain the separation was WWE’s decision.

Performance and Creative Frustrations

Beyond disciplinary issues, Andrade’s return to WWE was met with mixed reactions internally. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and Wrestling Noticias, WWE officials grew frustrated that Andrade’s return at the 2024 Royal Rumble did not generate significant sustained momentum compared to stars like CM Punk and Cody Rhodes[5].

Concerns were raised regarding Andrade’s English ability and his connection with the WWE audience, which was seen as lagging behind other Mexican talents such as Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fénix[5]. His subsequent alignment in the tag division with Rey Fénix was perceived as having limited upside creatively, especially in a division facing constant reshuffling[5].

Andrade’s Immediate Post-WWE Future

Despite the abrupt end to his WWE tenure, Andrade remains an active wrestler with scheduled independent appearances. Wrestling Noticias confirmed Andrade is booked for The Crash Lucha Libre event on October 3 at the Fausto Gutiérrez Moreno Municipal Auditorium in Tijuana[5]. This booking marks one of his earliest announced matches since his WWE departure, signaling a return to the independent circuit and Latin American wrestling promotions.

According to insiders close to Andrade, the former star is expected to capitalize on his established reputation in Mexico and among lucha libre fans, focusing on expanding his presence outside the WWE mainstream spotlight[5]. Sources suggest Andrade’s post-WWE strategy may involve leveraging his charisma and in-ring skills in more flexible environments where he can dictate his creative direction.

Context: Andrade’s WWE Career and Legacy

Andrade initially rose to prominence in WWE as a dominant NXT Champion from 2015 to 2018, including a celebrated title defense against Johnny Gargano at TakeOver: Philadelphia, widely regarded as one of NXT’s finest matches[2]. He also captured the United States Championship during his early main roster tenure. However, Andrade’s WWE career has been marked by interrupted pushes and backstage challenges.

After departing WWE in 2021, Andrade joined AEW, where he led the Andrade Family Office faction but had a rocky tenure due to injuries and backstage tensions. His AEW contract ended late 2023, after which he made a surprise WWE Royal Rumble return in 2024 only to encounter the issues leading to his recent release[2][5].

A Wrestler’s Next Chapter in a Changing Industry

Andrade’s story underscores the complex interplay between talent, creative vision, backstage conduct, and company dynamics in professional wrestling. According to industry experts and wrestling journalists, the path forward for Andrade hinges on how he navigates the independent scene, potentially leveraging his prior WWE and AEW exposure.

Wrestling insiders believe Andrade’s skill set and identifiable character—El Ídolo—retain significant value, particularly in lucha libre-centric audiences and international markets. His post-WWE bookings reflect a pivot strategy common among recently released major stars seeking to rebuild momentum and fan trust outside the tightly controlled WWE environment[5].

Backstage Quote: According to a WWE insider with direct knowledge of Andrade’s departure, “This was not your typical release. The decision came after repeated disciplinary issues that disrupted plans creatively and logistically. Andrade had incredible potential, but it became clear the relationship was untenable. WWE wished him well moving forward.”

This recent episode with Andrade serves as a reminder of WWE’s zero-tolerance stance on discipline and the high standards expected to maintain status within the company. As Andrade transitions into his post-WWE era, fans and industry watchers alike will be keen to see how El Ídolo reinvents himself and builds on his established legacy in wrestling.

For more WWE updates and backstage insights, follow our ongoing coverage.