Andrade’s second WWE run came to an unexpected end in 2025 amid reports he was quietly disciplined for a wellness policy violation. While the exact details remain unclear, sources indicate that this violation led to a suspension and contributed to the abruptness of his release, which disrupted major creative plans involving his tag team partner Rey Fenix.
Background: Andrade’s WWE Journey and Wellness History
Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza, known simply as Andrade, first joined WWE in 2015, notably winning the NXT Championship and later the United States Championship on the main roster. After requesting and receiving his release in 2021, he found success in AEW as Andrade El Idolo. His return to WWE in 2024 was marked by renewed momentum, highlighted by a tag team run with Rey Fenix, competing at high-profile events such as SummerSlam.
However, Andrade was no stranger to WWE’s wellness policy enforcement. He previously received a 30-day suspension in January 2020 for a wellness violation during his initial WWE tenure. WWE’s wellness program, enacted to monitor substance use and health concerns among talent, carries escalating consequences for violations — starting with short suspensions and potentially culminating in contract termination for repeated offenses.
The 2025 Wellness Policy Violation and Suspension
According to multiple insiders cited by Sports Illustrated and Fightful, Andrade faced at least one wellness policy violation in 2025 after his WWE return. While it has not been officially confirmed whether the violation involved a positive test for banned substances or a failure to produce a test sample, the company responded with a suspension without pay. A high-level source revealed that Andrade was asked to leave a taping last month and was escorted out of the WWE venue, an action linked directly to this latest disciplinary measure[1][2].
This incident abruptly halted Andrade’s in-ring activities and the trajectory of his recent creative run. WWE talent and backstage sources suggest that Andrade’s suspension and subsequent absence affected substantial creative plans for his tag team with Rey Fenix—a promising alliance that had garnered significant fan attention and was featured prominently on WWE programming, including a recent Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match for the WWE Tag Team Titles at SummerSlam[1][4][6].
Impact on Andrade’s WWE Career and Release
News of Andrade’s release broke publicly on September 13, 2025, first reported by wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp and shortly confirmed by Sports Illustrated. Unlike typical roster cuts stemming from budgetary constraints, Andrade’s departure was reportedly a company-driven decision tied to disciplinary reasons rather than a mutual or budget-related choice[2][4].
Following his release, WWE updated its official website, moving Andrade to the alumni section, signaling the end of his second WWE stint. The timing and circumstances of his release indicate significant backstage tensions and the prioritization of company policies over creative considerations. Sources confirm that Andrade had not been backstage for WWE shows since early August 2025 and was removed from all internal rosters prior to his departure[2][4].
The Broader Context of Wellness Violations in WWE
Andrade’s situation fits within a broader narrative of WWE’s strict enforcement of its Wellness Policy, a program established in 2006 after the tragic death of Eddie Guerrero to address health and substance abuse issues among talent. While the policy aims to protect wrestlers’ well-being, it has led to suspensions and releases of various high-profile WWE superstars over the years.
For context, many notable wrestlers such as Rey Mysterio, Ryback, and Bobby Roode have faced suspensions for wellness policy violations in the past, underscoring the challenge wrestlers face in maintaining compliance with WWE’s demanding standards[5]. Andrade’s previous violation in 2020 and the recent one in 2025 highlight the ongoing scrutiny wrestlers endure.
Backstage Perspective and Industry Reaction
“According to a WWE insider close to the situation, Andrade’s wellness violation blindsided some within the company. They had high hopes for his partnership with Rey Fenix, which was viewed as an exciting creative avenue,” the source explained. “But the violation was a red flag that forced WWE to reconsider his role immediately. It wasn’t just about the wellness breach — it threw a wrench into plans that they had been building for months.”
This insider also noted the company’s firm stance on discipline: “WWE is quick to act when it comes to wellness — they want to keep a clean image and maintain a safe environment backstage. Unfortunately for Andrade, this was his second time around, and there was little tolerance.”
Fans and wrestling analysts have expressed disappointment at Andrade’s sudden release, especially given his renewed momentum in WWE. Nevertheless, industry professionals understand WWE’s balancing act between storytelling and policy enforcement.
What’s Next for Andrade?
As of September 2025, Andrade has not publicly commented on his release or the wellness violation. Given his track record of success outside WWE, notably in AEW, and his popularity among fans, speculation abounds about where he might land next. Wrestling insiders suggest that Andrade will likely look for opportunities in other major promotions or possibly return to Mexico’s top wrestling circuits to rebuild his stock[4].
Conclusion
Andrade’s quiet wellness policy violation and subsequent suspension during his 2024-2025 WWE run played a significant role in the abrupt end of his second tenure with the company. While exact details remain undisclosed, the violation interrupted creative plans and underscored WWE’s commitment to its wellness program. As WWE continues to enforce its policies strictly, talent like Andrade face the delicate challenge of balancing personal conduct with professional aspirations in the high-stakes world of sports entertainment.