Alberto Del Rio WWE Return: What is the Controversy Surrounding Wrestling Star?

Alberto Del Rio could be heading back to WWE after a long absence, but not everyone’s on board. The former world champion hasn’t wrestled for the company since 2016, and any return would bring questions—not just about his in-ring value, but his past. Here’s what’s happening and why it’s such a talking point among fans.

Why WWE Might Bring Back Alberto Del Rio

Del Rio’s name surfaced in connection with WWE again after the company’s reported deal involving Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. That deal included a few known names—Del Rio being the biggest among them. While WWE hasn’t officially announced anything yet, multiple reports suggest he’s one of several AAA-linked talents being lined up for a return later in 2025.

Del Rio is a recognizable figure, especially among fans who followed WWE’s international expansion in the early 2010s. He won multiple world titles and worked high-profile feuds against top stars like John Cena and CM Punk.

Alberto Del Rio Controversies

Del Rio has a pretty checkered past, and has been involved in several controversies including:

2014 WWE Exit

• Del Rio was released in 2014 after slapping a WWE employee backstage.
• The incident started when a social media staffer reportedly made a racist joke.
• WWE fired Del Rio for unprofessional conduct, but the context behind the situation created mixed opinions.

Issues With Paige

• Del Rio was engaged to former WWE star Paige (now AEW’s Saraya), and their relationship drew headlines for the wrong reasons.
• There were multiple public arguments, police investigations, and leaked recordings.
• Neither party pursued charges, and the details remain disputed, but the drama followed them both professionally.

2020 Arrest and Charges

• In May 2020, Del Rio was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping and sexual assault in Texas.
• The allegations were serious: the reported victim claimed Del Rio tied her up, assaulted her, and made violent threats.
• All charges were dropped in 2021 when the reported victim recanted and didn’t cooperate with prosecution.
• No conviction, but the arrest and initial accusations still shape how fans and companies view him.

2025 Fan Altercation

• In early 2025, Del Rio got into a physical altercation with fans at a AAA show in Tijuana.
• He was suspended for six months by the Tijuana Wrestling Commission.

Why Fans Are Split on Del Rio’s WWE Return

Some fans think Del Rio should get another chance since none of the criminal charges led to a conviction. Others point to a pattern of issues—backstage problems, legal trouble, and public disputes—and say bringing him back creates unnecessary risk.

WWE might still see value in Del Rio’s name, particularly for international markets. But in 2025, public reaction matters. Any backlash—on social media or otherwise—can quickly become a bigger problem than it’s worth.

What’s Next?

As of now, Del Rio hasn’t officially returned to WWE programming. If he does, it’ll be one of the more debated comebacks of the year.

Del Rio has said publicly that he wants one more run. WWE hasn’t confirmed anything yet. But if the door is open, expect the conversation around his past to keep going.