Backstage Update On WWE's Plans For Angel Garza

Here's what's next for the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion.

Angel Garza Zelina Vega
WWE.com

Angel Garza debuted on this week's episode of WWE Raw, battling Rey Mysterio as a substitute for Andrade in the suspended United State Champion's ongoing storyline with the lucha legend and Humberto Carrillo.

Introduced as Carrillo's real-life cousin, Garza came out alongside Zelina Vega and looked like he was originally pegged to face Carrillo. This didn't happen, though. The former Cruiserweight Champion attacked the dimple-faced rising star but was prevented from DDT'ing him onto the exposed concrete by Mysterio, setting up Rey vs. Angel. That bout ended in a DQ when Garza drove Mysterio's head into the floor instead.

Per Dave Meltzer on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Garza will be appearing on both Raw and NXT to continue this storyline while Andrade is away - though he is expected to return to the black-and-gold brand full-time after this. Angel is a placeholder. An entertaining, logical placeholder, but he's on Raw primarily to fill the gap, though this stint will also help main roster audiences get familiar with Garza before he transitions full-time.

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Andrade's suspension expires on 26 February. Let's hope Garza keeps killing it (as he did on Raw) in the meanwhile.

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.