Could Alberto Del Rio be the next surprise return to WWE?
Following the takeover of WWE Creative by Triple H, many previously released superstars have since returned to the company. Bronson Reed was the newest name to be added back to the WWE roster under the new regime, making his WWE return on the December 19th episode of WWE Raw.
Alberto Del Rio Discusses A Potential WWE Return
With multiple returns taking place over a short period of time, Alberto Del Rio was asked if talks have taken place between himself and WWE. In an interview with WrestlingNews, the former WWE Champion told host Steve Fall that talks have taken place in the past, but nothing has since materialised:
“To be honest, I haven’t talked to any of the administration. I did [talk] when John Laurinaitis was around, we had a couple of phone calls. It didn’t go anywhere. What happened, happened. We have a new administration doing fantastic things. As far as I know, what I’ve read, the numbers, when it comes to ratings and money, it’s fantastic. The way the talent feels backstage and in the ring, it looks like this change has been for the best.”
Del Rio would then elaborate on his relationship with John Laurinaitis, stating that Johnny Ace played a large part in the creation of the Alberto Del Rio character and set up a meeting with the WWE Chairman:
“I was always one of Johnny’s boys, he was the one that found me and brought me to have my tryout. He was the one giving me the call, bringing me to Stamford, showing me the headquarters, putting me in the limo. He was the one creating Alberto Del Rio. I remember those days with him taking me to the restaurant to meet Kevin Dunn and then bringing me to Vince McMahon’s office and introducing me. The rest is history.”
Del Rio has not been seen in WWE since 2016. The former Royal Rumble winner would go on to perform for various independent promotions following the departure. In regards to John Laurinaitis’ status with the company, it was reported in August 2022 that Laurinaitis was ‘quietly let go.’
H/t to Fightful for the use of transcriptions.