Andrade’s second stint with WWE has officially ended, with his profile now moved to the company’s alumni section. A new report has offered insight into the decision, pointing to internal frustration and what has been described as “buyer’s remorse” within WWE management (via Wrestling News).
After returning at the Royal Rumble earlier this year, Andrade’s initial reaction from the crowd reportedly failed to build into sustained momentum, especially when compared with the strong fan responses to other returning stars such as Cody Rhodes and CM Punk. According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, this cooling reception contributed to the belief that his signing had been a miscalculation.
Another factor cited was the perception that Andrade’s English had not improved enough to advance his character. Management reportedly felt that other top Mexican talents, including Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix, had “usurped him” by connecting more strongly with the audience. This eventually led to Andrade being paired with Fenix on SmackDown, a role internally viewed as having a clear ceiling.
The concerns, however, extended beyond creative direction. Sports Illustrated previously reported that Andrade had at least one violation of the WWE Wellness Policy during this run, with his departure characterized as a disciplinary matter. It marked his second confirmed violation with the company, following a 30-day suspension in January 2020. In the weeks leading up to his exit, Andrade was sent home from a television taping, forcing WWE to abandon creative plans.
The pattern of issues was recently addressed by WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett, who placed responsibility squarely on Andrade himself. Speaking on his My World podcast, Jarrett praised his athletic ability but was blunt about the recurring problems: “The guy has incredible athletic ability… he can work his a— off. He’s really, really good. …we know there’s an issue with AAA, we know there’s an issue with WWE — not once, but twice. We know there were issues there. At some point… it starts with the man in the mirror.”
Jarrett also noted the significance of Andrade being removed from a WWE venue. “When you’re escorted from a building, no bueno. That is not good,” he said. “I hate that for all parties involved.”
Before rejoining WWE, Andrade spent more than two years with AEW, where he led the Andrade Family Office faction. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter clarified that Andrade did not ask for his release; rather, the decision stemmed directly from WWE’s internal frustrations and what management ultimately viewed as a case of “buyer’s remorse.”