Andrade "Cien" Almas was one of NXT's biggest stars, but when he arrived on WWE's main roster, he became yet another potential main eventer that Vince McMahon simply didn't "get." As time passed, Andrade (who lost the rest of his name) slipped down the card and eventually decided to leave the company.
There was a huge amount of excitement when Andrade El Idolo was later announced as being "All Elite," but AEW similarly failed him. For a time, the plan had been to pair him with father-in-law Ric Flair, but that fell by the wayside when the Nature Boy found himself embroiled in the controversy caused by Dark Side of the Ring.
Last October, Andrade allegedly sucker punched Sammy Guevara following a backstage incident at AEW Dynamite, leading to him being sent home where he subsequently had surgery for a torn pectoral muscle. Flair is now in AEW but after making his first - yes, first - AEW PPV appearance earlier this month, the Mexican wrestler confirmed his departure from the company.
Today, we have an update on his WWE status.
According to Fightful Select, Andrade has an agreement with WWE in place and, while the site couldn't share an exact timetable for his return to the company, it's expected to be very soon. Unsurprisingly, his wife - WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair - is said to have pushed for him to rejoin the sports entertainment giant.
The report adds that there was at least some talk of Andrade remaining in AEW, but as the end of 2023 neared, it became clear WWE beckoned. His deal would have ended much sooner, but time off for a shoulder injury kept him in Tony Khan's company longer than expected and he's been free to show up elsewhere since a few days after announcing he was leaving AEW.
The talent there expected an immediate leap to WWE but all signs now point to that being saved for this month's Royal Rumble PLE. From there, we'd expect him to head to SmackDown where he'll likely cross paths with Santos Escobar and the LWO.
Here's what Andrade said upon leaving AEW:
"I want to thank you for this time that I belonged to the company @aew and above all to Tony Khan. I also want to say goodbye to all the talent, security people, cameramen, referees and everyone who works in the company for being part of my time in AEW.
kenny, young bucks, tazz, Shiavone, Aubrey, Jerry, Hobbs, hook, Kingston, Ricky, Orange, thunder, jack Perry, Austin, Colten, Sonjay and many more that I can name, also how to forget all the Mexicans (todo el relajo) I enjoyed sharing the ring with STING, PAC, Darby, Garcia, Jay and many more.
I would have loved to face MOX, Page, Hobbs, Ricky, Dante, Cage, Dustin. Thank you AEW AND Thank you to all the fans for your support always. I wish you the best always!!!."