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Conflicting Reports Around WWE Signing Disgraced Former WWE Champion

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Xaiver Aguiar | Last updated May 5, 2025 2:57 PM ET

The WWE news cycle never stops. Most other forms of sports or entertainment have distinct lull periods—it's difficult to find engaging NBA content at the end of July. Wrestling is an endless marathon, with 52 weeks of television packed with storylines to go along with constant roster reshuffling.

That was true Friday evening when, despite an unprecedented financial run, the company decided to part ways with various talents for "budget cuts." But there could already be a desire to fill some of those vacant slots, starting with differing reports of the promotion adding a disgraced former WWE World Champion.

I wrote an article earlier today about keen observers noticing Alberto Del Rio being re-inserted in the alumni section of WWE.com. That ended up being false, as Alberto has been featured in that section as early as 2023.

Alberto had two separate stints in the company, but multiple felonies and insensitive remarks made another reunion seem unlikely. That was before WWE acquired AAA, the Mexican promotion where Alberto is the main draw and champion.

Notable wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer confirmed an earlier report from Ernesto Ocampo that Alberto, now under the last name El Patron, has signed a new deal with WWE. Meltzer clarified he doesn't expect the 47-year-old on WWE programming—they are simply locking down AAA performers for AAA.

Yes, new contracts. Alberto has signed with WWE. https://t.co/LUVYPKZiUJ
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) May 5, 2025

Top luchador beat writer LuchaBlog claims that WWE simply absorbed Alberto's original contract when they bought AAA. The top wrestling news reporter, Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp, quote tweeted Meltzer's original report with "woof" and has yet to make a further statement.