Andrade Departs WWE, What Likely Went Wrong With His 2nd Tenure?

Well, here we go again. It seems Andrade’s latest tour of duty with WWE has ended with less of a bang and more of a quiet, confusing whimper. Less than two years after a prodigal son-style return at the 2024 Royal Rumble, the man’s tenure has reportedly come to a screeching halt. If you’re getting a sense of déjà vu, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

The Revelation Of His Departure

According to reports from the diligent folks at Fightful Select and BodySlam, the former United States Champion is officially out. This news comes after a conspicuous absence from television that left many scratching their heads. He was last seen teaming with Rey Fenix in a TLC match at SummerSlam that frankly stole the show. After that? Poof. Gone. Vanished into thin air like a magician’s assistant, leaving fans to speculate wildly.

What Happened to Andrade?

The million-dollar question is, of course, what went wrong? Details are murkier than a swamp at midnight. Was it his decision? Did the company cut him loose? Did his contract just… evaporate?

Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp report also mentioned that “the departure had been in the works for at least a week, and that this did affect immediate creative plans after SummerSlam.” This tidbit confirms our suspicions that his sudden disappearance wasn’t just creative having nothing for him. Plans were in motion for Andrade, and then they weren’t.

Another Promising Run Cut Short

Let’s be honest, the team of Andrade and Rey Fenix was an unexpected stroke of genius. They had chemistry, they were electric in the ring, and they brought a much-needed shot of adrenaline to the SmackDown tag team division. Many, myself included, thought they were a shoo-in to win the WWE Tag Team Championships at MetLife Stadium. It felt like the perfect storm. But, as is often the case in WWE, the storm passed without making landfall.

Before this tag team heater, his singles run was a mixed bag of lukewarm coffee. He had some bangers, no doubt—the Money in the Bank ladder match and his series against Carmelo Hayes were proof that the man can go. The talent is undeniable. But despite the stellar in-ring performances, a significant, sustained push always seemed just out of reach. It was like watching a Ferrari stuck in first gear.

The most frustrating part about the whole Andrade saga is the sheer, untapped potential. The man is a wizard between the ropes. His work in NXT was nothing short of spectacular, his technical prowess is undeniable, and when the stars align, he can deliver classic matches. But somewhere on the journey from the black-and-gold brand to the main roster, the magic just evaporated and it never returned when he got a 2nd chance. He needed a manager and its weird, WWE never gave him one to help his poor mic skills.

Where Will He Land

So now, Andrade is a free agent once more where will he go. Its very unlikely he joins AEW as he had a very rocky departure from AEW in December 2023. Along with his backstage fights too its probably for the best he doesn’t go to AEW.

TNA, CMLL, AAA—they’re all on the table. NJPW would be a very interesting promotion if Andrade wants to go to Japan. For a man with his level of talent, the world is his oyster. But you have to wonder if, at some point, the constant company-hopping will hurt more than it helps. Maybe the third time’s the charm with WWE? Or maybe, just maybe, he needs to find a place that finally knows what to do with a superstar of his caliber.