Tony Khan Unaware of Andrade's AEW Departure Before WWE Return

After his AEW contract ended in December 2023, a month later, Andrade made his WWE return as an entrant in the 2024 Royal Rumble. According to Meltzer, Khan wasn’t aware that Andrade was leaving. His first AEW run was from 2021 to 2023. In Khan’s defense, Andrade was wrestling right up to the end of his contract. His last match was on December 30 against former AEW star Miro (WWE’s Rusev) at AEW Worlds End. Meltzer said:

“Andrade gave (Tony) Khan the belief he was staying, Khan believed they had an agreement for a renewal that wasn’t yet signed, he pushed him until the end, even though those in wrestling who knew him said he was going to WWE. Then his contract expired and he left. He is talented in the ring, but geez, everyone is. Even five years ago, he was a very unique talent but now there are so many guys at his level, better speaking ability and charisma.” (h/t: WrestlePurists)

Meltzer also shared one of the reasons why AEW signed him without hesitation. AEW wants to help build its presence in Mexico, and Andrade is a big star in that country, so it’s a no-brainer. Meltzer wrote:

“A big part of bringing Andrade to AEW is wanting another Hispanic star to help build the company up in Mexico and on Fox Sports Mexico, since he has a big name in that country.”

His second AEW run kicked off with him attacking Kenny Omega and joining the Don Callis family. Not a terrible way to make your presence known again.

Andrade’s WWE Drama

As noted, the reason why Andrade is back in the ring so quickly, instead of waiting for the usual 90-day noncompete clause, WWE cut him outright, so they didn’t have to pay him. Not only is he with AEW full-time, but he also has the start of a list of independent wrestling appearances. Next month, he's set to make his House of Glory debut. The supposed reason why WWE fired him, which happened on September 13, then two days later, Andrade confirmed his release, was because he had numerous WWE Wellness violations over the last year. Some fans feel that reason is a cop-out for WWE.and they just wanted to get rid of him. Before his WWE release, he was teaming with Rey Fenix, and his last match was at the WWE SummerSlam PLE.