Backstage tensions & creative dissatisfaction reportedly led to Andrade's WWE exit

El Idolo’s second stint with WWE has come to an end!

WWE fandom was taken by surprise with the news of ‘El Idolo’ Andrade being moved to the alumni section. Fightful broke the news that El Idolo’s profile moved from the active roster to the “Alumni” section of WWE.com.

This was El Idolo’s second departure from the promotion. After his initial release in 2021, he made a surprise return in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match to kick off his second stint. In his second run, he won the WWE Speed Championship and was the runner-up in the 2025 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

More details behind Andrade’s exit

According to a report from PWInsider, WWE’s decision to release El Idolo came after several weeks of internal deliberation. Since his return, the former Speed Champion had grown increasingly dissatisfied with his creative direction, and over time, that frustration reportedly reached a point where the company felt it was no longer sustainable.

The report further adds that, leading up to his release, the former Speed Champion was reportedly unreachable, further complicating his status within the company. This lack of communication added to the uncertainty surrounding his position and played a role in WWE’s decision to let him go. Although he still had over 18 months remaining on his contract, the company ultimately chose to part ways.

The exit has also led to creative changes, as El Idolo was reportedly set to take on Wyatt Sicks in a tag match at Clash in Paris alongside Rey Feni. However, the match was scrapped when his return was finalized.

Furthermore, per Sports Illustrated, Andrade’s release from WWE was not a mutual decision. Sources revealed he hadn’t been present at TV tapings for nearly a month, and by Saturday afternoon, several talents had already been notified of his departure.

It remains unclear whether El Idolo requested his release, as he had done in 2021. The report also indicates that his departure was not tied to budget cuts, which have been the reason for several recent WWE exits. The full details surrounding the release are still uncertain, though it was noted that WWE generally doesn’t issue contracts as short as 18 months.

What’s next?

Andrade enjoyed a strong run in WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, from 2015 to 2018, capturing the NXT Championship along the way. He later won the WWE United States Championship on the main roster but ultimately left the company in 2021 after requesting his release.

Following his departure, he signed with AEW, where his time was spoiled by injuries and backstage issues. His contract with AEW expired at the end of 2023, paving the way for his WWE return in the 2024 Royal Rumble.

However, his second stint with WWE didn’t gain much momentum, as he struggled to make a significant impact on-screen. It now remains to be seen what the next step is for El Idolo after his second WWE stint comes to an end.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.