Real Reason Andrade El Idolo Quit AEW For WWE

Latest on Andrade's AEW departure and seemingly imminent WWE return.

Charlotte Andrade Dominican Republic
Instagram, @charlottewwe

Andrade El Idolo is seemingly on the verge of a WWE return following his AEW contract's expiration late last month - and a new report from Fightful Select sheds fresh light on the former NXT Champion's change in circumstances.

The writeup states that Andrade had been on a two-year AEW contract, through this was extended due to time missed through injury. Per AEW talent, Andrade hadn't been shy of discussing his contractual situation, telling people his deal was to expire at the end of 2023.

Talent also claimed that at one stage, Andrade had mentioned plans to stay with AEW. He was seemingly considering a new agreement with the Tony Khan-helmed promotion, though this changed, and he was telling colleagues he was going back to WWE by the end of his deal.

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Some AEW personnel expected Andrade to show up on WWE the week after his deal expired, though this didn't happen.

Sources close to AEW have indicated that although Khan has left the door open for Andrade to return, it was a "frustrating process." The 34-year-old is understood to have informed the company of his decision in the days before 30 December's Worlds End pay-per-view.

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Andrade's partner and WWE mainstay Charlotte Flair is understood to have pushed for him to return to WWE. Sources within the market-leading promotion haven't officially confirmed that Andrade is going back to standard, though some have admitted that this is likely happening.

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.