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Andrade’s exit from WWE stirred up quite a bit of controversy, but his leap to AEW has sparked even more debate. Currently, he’s bound by a non-competition clause from WWE, which influences his next steps.
Unlike others, Andrade El Idolo’s choice to stay away from Lucha Libre AAA wasn’t driven by ego or past grievances. Instead, it stemmed from his vision of himself and the direction he wants his career to take. At a time when WWE’s collaboration with AAA was creating significant crossover opportunities, Andrade opted to focus his efforts elsewhere.
When WWE began exploring options with AAA, Andrade was approached about taking part in a major storyline aimed at the AAA Mega Championship, including a proposed fatal four-way match featuring El Hijo del Vikingo, Rey Fenix, and Omos. While this opportunity looked promising on paper, Andrade had a different perspective.
In a recent discussion on Enmascarados – El Podcast, Andrade addressed why he chose not to rejoin AAA, a promotion where he had already made a name for himself.
“I already made a name for myself in AAA. I wrestled there as a star. I’m here now because I want to be a worldwide star. I don’t want to go back.”
For him, returning to AAA wasn’t a path for professional growth; it felt repetitive. Andrade views his time in WWE as a crucial advancement, while he believes a crossover would not strategically benefit him.
He also pointed out that many Mexican wrestlers in WWE have faced legal and professional disputes with AAA, which influenced their decisions regarding potential returns.
“Many Mexican wrestlers currently in WWE had legal issues with AAA and their management. A lot of them didn’t want to go back, saying, ‘I don’t want anything to do with them again.’ That’s why they’re here.”
Andrade clarified that his decision wasn’t fueled by animosity. “I’ve never had a problem with AAA. We’ve talked and negotiated, but we never signed anything. They’ve never disrespected me. I don’t have anything against them,” he shared.
When WWE executives mentioned how a collaboration with AAA could be beneficial, Andrade explained that while it might suit others, it didn’t align with his goals.
“I understand the relationship with AAA, but AAA fans already know me. If I go back, a new guy like Dominik Mysterio won’t elevate me. It’s different for him. It’s exciting. For me, I’m already there.”
In Andrade’s view, AAA represented a completed chapter, while WWE offered a global platform he still wishes to conquer. “If I wanted to work with AAA, I would ask WWE to pay me to go back to Mexico. But that’s not my goal. I came here to be a top name worldwide.”
Despite his position, Andrade initially resonated with the concept of the AAA match, seeing its potential value.
“They proposed a match with Vaygo, Fenix, Omos, and me. I would have been a strong fighter to contrast their styles. I thought it was a great idea. They wanted me to be a heel, and I agreed. But then…”
The plan ultimately failed because WWE scheduled Andrade for Money in the Bank on the same date as the AAA event.
“When I saw my schedule for Money in the Bank, I knew it took priority. The Great Americano wrestled twice that day, once in AAA and once at Money in the Bank. By that point, I was committed to WWE.”
Consequently, the AAA storyline faded away, and Andrade never pursued its revival. While AAA might work for others, Andrade has made it clear that he’s focused on progressing rather than revisiting past experiences.
Having previously left WWE and returned, only time will tell if he moves on again, but his fans are eagerly awaiting his next chapter.
If you include this transcript in your publication, please credit Ringside News.
December 18, 2025 3:48 p.m.
Fan Take: Andrade’s journey reflects a pivotal moment in wrestling where personal ambition and professional opportunities collide. For fans, his choices not only shape his career but also signal the evolving landscape of wrestling promotions and the pathways wrestlers can take to achieve global recognition.
