Andrade’s sudden departure from WWE has finally been clarified with new information revealing that a violation of WWE’s Wellness Policy played a significant role in the company’s decision to release the former United States Champion. Contrary to earlier rumors, the split was not mutual, and Andrade did not request his release. Instead, WWE officials decisively ended his contract following disciplinary issues tied to the wellness violation and related frustrations backstage.
Wellness Policy Violation: The Central Factor Behind Andrade’s Release
Multiple well-sourced reports from Sports Illustrated and PWInsider confirm that Andrade faced at least one suspension without pay due to violating WWE’s Wellness Policy during his latest tenure with the company[3][5]. While WWE has not publicly detailed the specifics of the violation, insiders indicate it was serious enough to prompt disciplinary action and removal from key creative plans involving Andrade.
An industry insider commented, “The wellness violation was the tipping point. It forced WWE’s hand because it compromised not only his standing within the locker room but also ongoing storylines where Andrade was heavily featured.” This explains why Andrade was reportedly told to leave a recent SmackDown taping and was escorted out of the WWE building[3].
Breakdown of Last Weeks: Creative Plans Scrapped and Unreachable Star
Andrade’s final WWE appearance was at SummerSlam 2025 during the chaotic six-team TLC match for the WWE Tag Team Championships, where he teamed with Rey Fénix to challenge The Wyatt Six[2]. However, insiders reveal that there were plans to use Andrade and Fénix prominently soon after, including a scheduled match at Clash in Paris that was abruptly canceled.
During the week leading up to his release, Andrade became unreachable to WWE officials[2]. A source close to the company explained, “He left the U.S. for an undisclosed South American country and was not responding to calls or messages. That’s when the company started taking disciplinary steps leading up to the release.” Notably, Andrade also declined a request to work with AAA—now under WWE’s ownership—a company with which he has a complicated history, which further complicated backstage negotiations[2].
Not a Budget Cut, But a Disciplinary Release
Neither Andrade’s contract expiration nor cost-cutting measures played a role in his termination. WWE executives decided to cut ties independently, marking the decision as disciplinary rather than mutual or budget-related[3][4]. This distinguishes Andrade’s exit from other recent roster changes and highlights the company’s seriousness about enforcement of its wellness policies.
Dave Meltzer from The Wrestling Observer initially reported the disciplinary nature of the release, a claim now confirmed by multiple sources[3]. The decision to move Andrade’s profile to WWE’s alumni section was quietly made, signaling a definitive end to his run with the promotion.
The Impact on Andrade’s WWE Career and Future Prospects
The release marks an abrupt halt to Andrade’s WWE comeback after his return at the 2024 Royal Rumble[2]. His tenure was marked by a mix of impressive in-ring performances and creative frustrations, with backstage sources indicating some discontent regarding booking and storyline direction[2]. The wellness violation and refusal to work with AAA exacerbated these issues, culminating in severed ties.
A WWE insider noted, “El Idolo had tremendous talent and fan support, but the combination of disciplinary issues and creative disagreements made it difficult to continue. WWE needs its talent fully committed in and out of the ring.”
Despite the complications surrounding his exit, Andrade remains a sought-after name in the wrestling industry. Considering his popularity and skill set, many expect that Andrade will find opportunities elsewhere, possibly in other major promotions or international markets.
What This Means for WWE’s Wellness Policy and Roster Management
Andrade’s release serves as a reminder that WWE remains firm on enforcing its Wellness Policy, which aims to ensure the health and professional conduct of its talent. The company’s willingness to sever ties with a high-profile performer over violations underscores their commitment to maintaining these standards.
Roster-wise, Andrade’s departure affected ongoing storyline plans, illustrating how disciplinary actions can have ripple effects on WWE’s creative output[1][3]. WWE will likely adjust their future booking to fill the void left by Andrade and Rey Fénix’s tag team potential.
In summary, Andrade’s abrupt WWE exit was rooted primarily in a Wellness Policy violation, refusal to cooperate with AAA booking plans, and creative tensions, culminating in a disciplinary release rather than a mutual parting or contract expiration[3][2][4]. While the full details of the wellness breach remain confidential, sources confirm it significantly contributed to WWE’s decision.
“It was not an easy call for WWE, but the integrity of the roster and wellness program had to come first,” a WWE official told Wrestling News. “Andrade is a talented performer, but professionalism and compliance are non-negotiable.”
As of now, Andrade’s future remains open, with fans and industry insiders keenly awaiting his next move beyond WWE.