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Andrade’s AEW Status Revealed After Shocking Return

By Monika Thapa • Published Oct 02, 2025 08:04 EDT
Andrade

Andrade is back in AEW.

He began his WWE career in 2015 after signing with the company. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming NXT Champion and later moving to the main roster, where he won the United States Championship in 2019. His first WWE tenure lasted until March 2021, as his departure came amid growing frustrations over creative direction and limited opportunities, leading him to request his release, which was initially denied before WWE ultimately let him go.

Shortly after leaving WWE, he debuted in AEW in June 2021 under the ring name Andrade El Idolo. He was managed by Vickie Guerrero initially, and later formed alliances with notable wrestlers, including Rush as part of La Faccion Ingobernable. During his AEW stint, he was involved in prominent feuds and storylines and displayed a mix of heel and face work.

However, in late 2022, he was sent home following a backstage altercation and later suffered a torn pectoral muscle, which sidelined him for a period. Andrade quietly ended his affiliation with La Faccion Ingobernable during recovery. He returned to AEW in mid-2023 as a fan favorite and engaged in feuds with groups like House of Black. His AEW contract expired at the end of 2023, and he made his last appearance on AEW programming at the Worlds End event in December 2023

In January 2024, Andrade surprisingly re-signed with WWE and returned at the Royal Rumble. But he didn’t stay in the Stamford-based company for long. In September 2025, WWE unexpectedly released him despite having 18 months left on his contract. Reports indicated that his release was not mutual and was due to disciplinary problems, and he did not have a non-compete clause preventing him from immediately wrestling elsewhere.

Andrade Returned to AEW on Dynamite

Shortly after his WWE release on September 13, 2025, Andrade made a shocking return to AEW Dynamite on October 1, 2025, during the promotion’s sixth anniversary show. He attacked Kenny Omega in the ring and aligned himself with Don Callis, joining his faction.

According to Fightful Select, Andrade signed a full-time contract with AEW, marking an unusual career path as the first wrestler to leave AEW, join WWE, and then return full-time to AEW.

His return was immediate because his WWE release contained no non-compete clause, allowing him to compete without delay. Andrade’s comeback in AEW has reignited excitement around his career and positioned him back in the spotlight of the wrestling world.