WWE Grants Andrade His Release

WWE has granted Andrade his release.

Following Andrade publicly stating that he’d requested his release from WWE, WWE has granted the former United States Champion his release from the company on the evening of March 21, 2021.

Andrade joined WWE in 2016 as a babyface on NXT making his debut on NXT TakeOver: The End.

Andrade would eventually be paired up with Zelina Vega, Thea Trinidad, on NXT and then become NXT Champion at NXT TakeOver: WarGames. Eventually, Andrade would move over to the main roster where he would become WWE United States Champion.

The past year was a rollercoaster one for him. During the pandemic, Zelina Vega’s stable was a staple of the Monday night brand. Andrade but eventually be split from Angel Garza and Zelina Vega and the autumn and then disappear from television following not being drafted in the 2020 draft.

Zelina Vega was released in late-2020.

Fightful Select first reported that Andrade’s lack of a push was related to the removal of Paul Heyman as WWE Raw executive director.

Wrestling Inc reported that Andrade asked for his WWE release recently. Ringside News also correctly reported that he isn’t figured into the creative plans as of right now. Fightful spoke with WWE sources who said they expected this for quite a while, and based on what they heard, it wasn’t it an “outburst” or a huge confrontation, but he didn’t look happy. They didn’t expect Andrade’s release to be granted, and said the writing was on the wall about his future when Paul Heyman was removed from power and Andrade’s push quickly subsided. Another source pointed to the fact that Andrade wasn’t drafted whatsoever in October 2020, and never appeared on camera again as a “major turning point.” Vince McMahon had fallen in and out of love at times with the potential of Andrade.

Earlier this evening, Andrade tweeted out that he has good news. Later in the evening, WWE confirmed the release.

Good news!!!! Buenas noticias!!! #Tranquilo #Happy

— “EL IDOLO” ANDRADE (@AndradeElIdolo) March 21, 2021

WWE has come to terms on the release of Andrade. We wish him all the best in all of his future endeavors. https://t.co/h5HggeFPjv

— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2021

Fightful will continue to monitor the story and report any and all updates.