Andrade's Second WWE Tenure Concludes as Promotion Releases Veteran Star

STAMFORD, CT – September 13, 2025 – World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has reportedly released Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza, known professionally as Andrade, marking an abrupt end to his second stint with the global sports entertainment giant. The departure, which concludes a tenure of approximately one and a half years since his return in 2024, was first brought to light by professional wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp. Subsequent reports from Sports Illustrated’s Jon Alba have clarified that the decision was not a mutual agreement between Andrade and the company, nor was it attributed to routine budget cuts, suggesting a unilateral action on WWE’s part.

Sapp’s initial report further indicated that Andrade’s release appeared to be an isolated incident, not part of a broader series of roster cuts, and notably, the performer was not listed on WWE’s internal injury report, ruling out physical incapacitation as a direct cause for his removal from the active roster. This specific clarification has fueled speculation regarding the underlying reasons for the separation, particularly given the recent lack of on-screen appearances and backstage presence noted by sources.

Andrade’s last televised appearance for WWE occurred at the SummerSlam pay-per-view on August 3, 2025. At the event, he competed alongside his tag team partner, Rey Fenix, in a six-pack tables, ladders, and chairs (TLC) match for the coveted WWE Tag Team Championship. The high-stakes contest saw the duo challenge the reigning champions, The Wyatt Sicks, in a multi-team entanglement that also featured other prominent tandems from the RAW and SmackDown rosters. Despite a valiant effort characterized by Andrade’s signature high-flying offense and Fenix’s acrobatic prowess, the challengers were ultimately unsuccessful in capturing the titles. This championship opportunity marked their second attempt against The Wyatt Sicks over the summer, highlighting their position as contenders within WWE’s competitive tag team division.

Since the SummerSlam event, Andrade has been conspicuously absent from WWE programming and, according to backstage reports, has not been present at subsequent television tapings or live events. This unexplained absence, coupled with the recent confirmation of his release, has led to various interpretations within the professional wrestling community regarding his standing with the company prior to the official separation. Following the reports, Andrade’s profile has been transitioned to WWE’s alumni page, a standard procedure for former talent.

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Andrade’s second run with WWE, which commenced with his highly anticipated return in early 2024, was punctuated by several high-profile engagements and competitive series. Among the notable highlights of this period was his partnership with the legendary Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania 40 in April 2024. The pairing saw Andrade operate in a unique role, often supporting Mysterio against formidable opponents and showcasing a renewed focus on his in-ring capabilities. This alliance, though relatively brief, provided a significant spotlight for Andrade on WWE’s grandest stage, allowing him to demonstrate his versatility and chemistry with a veteran performer.

Furthermore, Andrade engaged in a critically acclaimed best-of-seven series against rising star Carmelo Hayes. This series, which unfolded across both NXT and main roster programming, was lauded for its athletic contests and compelling storytelling, pushing both competitors to their limits. While the exact win-loss record favored Hayes slightly, the series served to re-establish Andrade as a top-tier performer capable of delivering main event quality matches. His participation in two Money in the Bank ladder matches during his second stint also underscored his perceived value within the company, placing him among a select group of competitors vying for a guaranteed world championship opportunity. These multi-man contests, known for their chaotic nature and career-altering implications, provided Andrade with platforms to showcase his innovative offense and risk-taking style, though he ultimately did not secure the briefcase on either occasion.

Andrade’s journey with WWE is characterized by two distinct chapters, separated by a notable tenure in another major promotion. He initially signed with WWE in 2015, entering the company’s developmental system, NXT. Under the moniker Andrade "Cien" Almas, he quickly ascended through the ranks, capturing the coveted NXT Championship in November 2017 after a stellar performance against Drew McIntyre at NXT TakeOver: WarGames. His reign as NXT Champion, spanning 140 days, was a defining period for the brand, featuring memorable defenses against competitors such as Johnny Gargano and Aleister Black, often with his manager Zelina Vega at his side, whose strategic brilliance significantly enhanced his character.

Upon graduating to the main roster in 2018, Andrade continued to impress, albeit with varying degrees of consistent booking. His in-ring prowess was undeniable, and he eventually secured the United States Championship in December 2019, defeating Rey Mysterio at a live event. His reign of 77 days saw him defend the title against a range of challengers, solidifying his position as a prominent mid-card champion. However, by 2021, reports emerged of Andrade’s growing dissatisfaction with his creative direction and lack of consistent main event opportunities. This ultimately led to his request for release, which WWE granted in March 2021, part of a broader period where several talents sought and received their departures from the company.

Following his initial WWE exit, Andrade made a significant splash by debuting with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in June 2021, adopting the new ring name Andrade El Idolo. His time in AEW saw him engage in various high-profile feuds and establish himself as a key figure within the promotion’s expanding roster. A particularly strong showing came during the inaugural AEW Continental Classic grand prix in late 2023. This round-robin tournament, designed to crown a new champion and highlight the company’s top technical and brawling talents, saw Andrade deliver a series of compelling performances against elite competition, reaching the semi-final stage before ultimately being eliminated. His critically acclaimed run in the Continental Classic revitalized his standing in the industry and was widely seen as a testament to his continued evolution as a performer.

This impressive showing in AEW set the stage for his unexpected return to WWE in 2024, signaling a potential new chapter for the talented luchador within the promotion where he had first gained international prominence. His return was met with considerable anticipation, with many observers expecting a renewed push and greater creative freedom for the veteran.

As of the latest reports, Andrade has not publicly addressed his release from WWE. His future in professional wrestling remains a subject of considerable interest, with industry analysts and fans speculating about his next potential destination. Given his prior success in AEW and his established reputation as a top-tier international performer, opportunities in promotions such as AEW, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), or Mexico’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA) are considered strong possibilities. His departure also leaves an immediate void in WWE’s tag team division, particularly for his partner Rey Fenix, whose immediate trajectory and next tag team partner will be closely watched. Andrade’s release underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of talent contracts and creative directions within professional wrestling’s leading organizations.