Andrade has been released by WWE just days after he reportedly requested his release. The 31 year-old had been with the company since 2015.
Prior to the news being announced to fans, Andrade tweeted that he had received ‘good news’. Reports that the former Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas had requested his release first emerged on the 12th of March. Though this request seemed to be denied, it seems that ‘El Idolo’ did not have to wait long for the company to change their mind.
In a brief statement, the company announced that ‘WWE has come to terms on the release of Andrade. We wish him all the best in all of his future endeavours.’ His exit of course follows the release of long-time manager Zelina Vega (Thea Trinidad) in November 2020.
During his time with WWE, Andrade’s fortunes were mixed. His initial time in NXT was largely spent in the midcard. However, his pairing with Vega soon saw the 3rd generation Mexican star launched into the main event scene, capturing the NXT Championship from Drew McIntyre in the process.
Renowned as a gifted in-ring performer, Andrade was part of WWE’s first Wrestling Observer Newsletter five star match since 2011 when he defeated Johnny Gargano at NXT Takeover: Philadelphia. He eventually debuted on the main roster in 2018, adding only a single title reign to his resume when he won the United States Championship.
Outside of WWE, the former La Sombra has experienced considerable success as well. He was a founding member of CMLL’s Los Ingobernables, a group that would eventually spawn NJPW’s Los Ingobernables de Japon. La Sombra held the IWGP Intercontinental Championship as well as numerous CMLL titles.
Though Andrade has been released by WWE, it seems unlikely that the star will lack suitors when he is able to appear for another promotion in the future. His options, such as returning to NJPW or perhaps reuniting with Thea Trinidad, will no doubt intrigue fans in the months to come.