Every WWE Release Of 2021 - Where Are They Now? (Five Years Later)

Then: Brace yourselves for quite the story of ins, out, ins and...more outs! Andrade has ducked and dived his way between WWE and AEW like he's running his own Universe Mode save in 2K26 and can't decide which promotion he fancies wrestling for. It's been a controversy-laden 5 years or so since that first WWE release back in March 2021.

Andrade was the one who requested that himself, but the company originally said no. In the end, they didn't stand in his way, and 'El Idolo' popped up on AEW TV in June 2021. He'd been considered a World Champion in waiting for years, and had impressed down in NXT alongside manager Zelina Vega, but the pair's success never translated to the main roster quite the way management had hoped it would.

So, he became Tony Khan's new toy (man collects ex-WWE stars like action figures!) in mid-2021.

Now: Andrade left All Elite and returned to WWE in time for the 2024 Royal Rumble. Again, hopes were high that he'd skyrocket under Triple H, but this proved to be another false dawn. 'El Idolo' meandered creatively. He turned in solid performances, but he wasn't really going anywhere on the roster.

In real-life, his relationship with Charlotte Flair fell apart, and Andrade was mired in a controversial episode after leaving WWE to rock up in AEW yet again. A lengthy contract dispute took place, which was eventually settled. Now, the former NXT Champ is free to work under Khan.

Yes, again. Is it only a matter of time before he gets itchy feet and wants another WWE comeback?!