Andrade Warning Top Free Agents NOT To Sign With WWE?

Andrade's frustration may have led to his renewed SmackDown push.

Andrade Rush
WWE/CMLL

WWE SmackDown Superstar and former NXT standout Andrade looks set for a renewed main roster push on Tuesday nights, despite losing two-thirds of his ring name earlier this week, having starred in one of the best TV matches in recent memory (vs. Rey Mysterio) earlier this week.

It's a sudden elevation after months of main roster mis-booking, but there may be a big reason behind it.

Per Dave Meltzer in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Andrade has warned several big-name free agents about signing with the company, the most notable of which are CMLL's Rush and Dragon Lee.

Advertisement

Rush, one of Mexico's biggest stars, signed a one-year deal with Ring Of Honor earlier this week, having consulted with Andrade on his long-term future. It's thought that Lee sought similar advice from the former La Sombra, who cited his own plight as an example of what awaited in WWE.

Meltzer believes that learning of Andrade's frustration may have led to his ongoing push. This makes sense, given how competitive wrestling's labour market has become, and how in-demand the former NXT Champion would be if he were to leave WWE. Perhaps his new focus is part of the company's attempts at keeping him around.

Advertisement

Either way, if true, this is yet another example of how increased competition benefits everyone in the business.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.