During the June 30 episode of Monday Night Raw, an unexpected name came up when commentator Michael Cole highlighted the shared history of Sheamus and Rusev as part of the National Federation faction. In the process, Cole also mentioned their former stablemate Alberto del Rio (El Patron).
This mention is significant considering Alberto del Rio’s complicated past with WWE. The former WWE champion departed the company in 2014 amid controversy, and his relationship with WWE remained strained during his second tenure. Reports from Fightful Select previously indicated that WWE maintained a strict “hard no” stance on working with del Rio again for a long time.
However, recent information suggests that such stubbornly negative views have softened. The timing of this reference is especially intriguing since WWE acquired Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide in April, where del Rio is considered a major star.
While it was just a brief commentary mention, the connection between WWE and AAA sparks speculation among fans about the possibility of del Rio’s return to WWE, especially considering the new business ties between the two promotions.
Fan Take: This subtle nod to Alberto del Rio hints at a potential thaw in WWE’s stance towards a once-controversial figure, which could open doors for exciting surprises. For fans, it signals a possible resurgence of one of Lucha Libre’s top talents in WWE, potentially enriching the roster and reviving old storylines.
