The Enigma of Andrade's WWE Departure: Unpacking the Multifaceted Reasons

The wrestling world was abuzz in March 2021 when news broke of Andrade's official release from WWE. While initially, the departure seemed to stem from standard creative differences and Andrade's request, a deeper dive reveals a far more intricate tapestry of factors that ultimately led to the talented superstar's exit from the global juggernaut.

Andrade's dissatisfaction with his standing in WWE wasn't a secret.

For months, reports indicated his unhappiness with his booking, the lack of significant creative direction, and a frustrating absence from television. Once touted as a future main eventer, especially under the creative guidance of Paul Heyman on Monday Night Raw, Andrade's momentum significantly stalled following Heyman's removal from his executive director role.

This pivotal shift left Andrade feeling adrift, unutilized, and increasingly undervalued by the company.

Beyond the immediate creative woes, whispers suggested Andrade harbored a strong desire to return to his roots in lucha libre, potentially exploring opportunities in Mexico with promotions like AAA, or even venturing into the competitive Japanese wrestling scene.

Observing the success of former WWE talents like Miro (Rusev), FTR (The Revival), and Jon Moxley (Dean Ambrose) flourishing in other promotions, particularly AEW, likely fueled his ambition for a fresh start and greater creative freedom. The grass, it seemed, was greener elsewhere, offering the chance to reinvent himself and showcase his undeniable in-ring prowess without the constraints he felt in WWE.

Adding another layer to the complex narrative was Andrade's personal life, specifically his relationship with then-fiancée, now-wife, Charlotte Flair.

While speculative, some reports hinted at a broader discontent, with Andrade potentially feeling that Charlotte's career was also being impacted or that his own lack of progression was exacerbated by her prominent position. Conversely, his stagnation might have simply highlighted the disparity in their respective pushes, making his own situation feel even more frustrating.

Perhaps the most intriguing revelation surrounding Andrade's departure was the suggestion that WWE's decision to grant his release was influenced by an active contract offer he had received from another major promotion, widely believed to be All Elite Wrestling.

Unlike their typical strategy of holding talent in limbo, especially those with market value, WWE's willingness to let Andrade go could indicate an awareness of this outside interest. This scenario paints a picture of a company opting to cut ties rather than risk an unhappy talent potentially forcing their hand later or creating internal friction, especially if the talent was already mentally checked out and eyeing an immediate alternative.

Andrade himself later confirmed his frustrations, stating he felt "stuck" for nearly a year, despite being ready and willing to work.

His departure, while unfortunate for fans who recognized his immense talent, ultimately appeared to be a mutual decision driven by a fundamental misalignment between the superstar's aspirations and WWE's plans for him. It highlighted a period in WWE where many talents felt underutilized, and the allure of other promotions provided a compelling escape route for those seeking more than just a paycheck – they sought creative fulfillment and the opportunity to truly shine.

Andrade's release wasn't just about one wrestler; it was a symptom of a larger shift in the wrestling landscape, where talent had more options than ever before.