Andrade's Second Stint with WWE Concludes Abruptly Amidst Speculation and Unconfirmed Reports

Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza, known professionally as Andrade, has reportedly been released by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), concluding his second tenure with the global sports entertainment giant after approximately a year and a half. The news, first reported by professional wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp, indicates that Andrade’s departure is an isolated incident, not part of a larger series of roster cuts, nor is it attributed to an injury or budgetary considerations. Sports Illustrated’s Jon Alba subsequently corroborated aspects of the report, adding that the decision was not a mutual agreement between Andrade and WWE.

Andrade’s move to WWE’s alumni page on its official website solidified the reports, though neither the company nor Andrade himself have issued an official statement regarding the separation as of press time. This silence, coupled with the nature of the reports, has fueled considerable speculation within the professional wrestling community regarding the underlying reasons for the sudden split.

A Return Marked by High Expectations and Significant Showcases

Andrade’s return to WWE in late 2023, officially in January 2024 at the Royal Rumble premium live event, was met with considerable anticipation. His previous departure in 2021 had been widely reported as a request for release due to creative frustrations, and his subsequent run in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as Andrade El Idolo had seen him maintain a high profile, particularly through a strong performance in AEW’s Continental Classic tournament. This strong showing was frequently cited by observers as a key factor in WWE’s renewed interest in bringing him back into their fold.

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Upon his re-signing, Andrade was positioned as a significant acquisition, with his return segment at the Royal Rumble drawing a notable reaction from the live audience. His initial appearances indicated a more serious, focused persona, distinct from his previous main roster run. The company showcased him in several high-profile engagements throughout 2024 and 2025, suggesting a commitment to utilizing his considerable in-ring talent.

One of the highlights of his second run came at WrestleMania 40, where he partnered with the legendary Rey Mysterio. The duo competed in a high-stakes tag team contest against the formidable tandem of Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh of The Judgment Day. While the pairing with Rey Mysterio was a strategic move to leverage his connection with the lucha libre tradition and provide a veteran presence, the match, which saw Andrade and Mysterio ultimately fall short, was critically acclaimed for its fast pace and intricate exchanges. Wrestling Observer Newsletter rated the match 3.75 stars, praising Andrade’s crisp execution and seamless teamwork with Mysterio, underscoring his value in significant events.

Following WrestleMania, Andrade was thrust into a highly competitive best-of-seven series against rising NXT sensation Carmelo Hayes. This series, which unfolded across episodes of Monday Night Raw and premium live events such as Backlash and King & Queen of the Ring, was designed to elevate both competitors. Hayes, known for his athletic prowess and charismatic delivery, pushed Andrade to his limits. The series, which Hayes eventually won 4-3 after a grueling Ladder Match at King & Queen of the Ring, was lauded for its storytelling and the exceptional in-ring chemistry between the two athletes. Andrade’s performance in this series, despite the loss, was widely seen as a testament to his versatility and ability to adapt to different styles, consistently delivering main event quality matches.

Andrade also participated in two Money in the Bank ladder matches during his second stint, one in 2024 and another in 2025. These multi-man contests are critical opportunities for mid-card and upper-mid-card talent to ascend to championship contention. In both instances, Andrade was a prominent figure, executing several high-risk maneuvers and coming close to securing the coveted briefcase. His agility and willingness to absorb punishment in these chaotic environments demonstrated his commitment to the spectacle, earning him praise from commentators and fans alike. Despite not winning either match, his participation ensured he remained visible in key company narratives.

The Tag Team Phase and Abrupt Disappearance

The summer of 2025 saw Andrade enter a new phase of his WWE return, forming an unexpected but intriguing tag team with the high-flying Rey Fenix. This pairing brought together two of the most dynamic luchadors in professional wrestling, promising an exciting new dimension to WWE’s tag team division. Their chemistry was immediate, blending Fenix’s acrobatic offense with Andrade’s more grounded, yet equally explosive, power and technical skill.

Their ascent was rapid, earning two title shots against the then-dominant WWE Tag Team Champions, The Wyatt Sicks. The Wyatt Sicks, a faction led by the enigmatic Uncle Howdy, had established themselves as a formidable and unconventional force in the tag division since their re-emergence in early 2025, employing mind games and brutal tactics that had seen them hold the championships for over 150 days.

The first championship encounter between Andrade and Fenix and The Wyatt Sicks occurred at a special edition of Friday Night SmackDown in July. In a highly anticipated contest, Andrade and Fenix pushed the champions to their limit, showcasing innovative double-team maneuvers and near-falls that had the audience on the edge of their seats. However, interference from other members of The Wyatt Sicks ultimately led to Andrade and Fenix falling short of capturing the titles, a finish that preserved the champions’ reign while protecting the challengers’ momentum.

The second and most recent championship opportunity for Andrade and Fenix came at SummerSlam on August 3, 2025, in a six-pack Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match. This high-stakes, high-impact contest involved The Wyatt Sicks defending their titles against Andrade & Fenix, The Street Profits, Alpha Academy, Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci), and a newly formed team of Ricochet & Cedric Alexander. The match was a chaotic spectacle, featuring numerous dangerous spots, shattered tables, and dramatic near-grabs of the titles suspended above the ring. Andrade was particularly active, executing a daring Moonsault from the top of a ladder onto a pile of competitors and tables below, a moment that drew widespread acclaim. Despite their valiant efforts, which included Andrade and Fenix coming within inches of retrieving the championships on multiple occasions, The Wyatt Sicks ultimately retained their titles in a controversial finish involving further faction interference.

Following the SummerSlam event, Andrade’s presence on WWE programming abruptly ceased. Reports from multiple wrestling news outlets indicate that he has not appeared on television since the August 3 pay-per-view and has also not been observed backstage at subsequent WWE events. This unannounced absence preceded the official reports of his release, raising questions about the timeline and nature of the decision.

Historical Context: First Stint and AEW Interlude

Andrade’s career trajectory within WWE has been characterized by periods of significant success interspersed with reported creative frustrations. He initially signed with WWE in 2015, making his debut in NXT, the company’s developmental brand. His time in NXT was highly successful, culminating in him defeating Drew McIntyre to win the NXT Championship in November 2017. His reign of 105 days included notable defenses against Johnny Gargano and Aleister Black, establishing him as a top-tier performer within the brand.

He transitioned to the main roster in 2018, initially paired with manager Zelina Vega, a partnership that proved instrumental in his early main roster run. He captured the United States Championship in December 2019, defeating Rey Mysterio in a critically acclaimed match at a Madison Square Garden live event. His 151-day reign as champion saw successful defenses against Humberto Carrillo and Apollo Crews, solidifying his position in the mid-card. However, as 2020 progressed, reports of creative stagnation and a reduced role began to surface, leading to his eventual request for release, which was granted in March 2021.

His subsequent move to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) saw him debut as Andrade El Idolo in June 2021. During his time in AEW, he was involved in various high-profile feuds and matches, showcasing his abilities against top talent such as Kenny Omega, PAC, and Bryan Danielson. While some observers felt his AEW run did not consistently reach the heights many anticipated, his performance in the 2023 Continental Classic, a round-robin tournament for the AEW Continental Championship, was widely praised. He advanced to the semifinals of the tournament, delivering a series of compelling matches that reaffirmed his status as an elite professional wrestler, ultimately paving the way for his return to WWE.

Future Prospects

Andrade’s release, occurring without an official explanation, leaves several questions unanswered regarding his standing within WWE and the reasons for the company’s decision. With his considerable talent and experience, Andrade is expected to be a highly sought-after free agent on the professional wrestling market. Organizations such as AEW, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA) could all be potential destinations. His ability to perform at a high level across various styles and his established international profile make him a valuable commodity for any promotion looking to bolster its roster and appeal to a global audience.

As the wrestling world awaits further clarification from either party, the abrupt conclusion of Andrade’s second WWE chapter marks a significant development, underscoring the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of talent relations within the professional wrestling industry.