Ex-WWE Star Andrade Reveals Frustration Over Repeated Mexican Rivalries With Rey Mysterio and Others During First Run

Former WWE star Andrade El Idolo has opened up about the frustration that contributed to his first departure from the company in 2021. Despite enjoying his time with WWE and maintaining positive relationships with fellow wrestlers, Andrade said he became dissatisfied with being repeatedly placed in storylines against Mexican talent, including Rey Mysterio, Dominik Mysterio and other performers.

Speaking with Chris Jericho on Talk Is Jericho, Andrade explained that WWE continued booking him in similar matchups for several years. He felt the repetitive creative direction limited his opportunities to grow and achieve greater success as a performer.

Although he had no major personal complaints about his colleagues, Andrade wanted different opponents, fresh storylines and opportunities to move beyond the position he occupied on WWE television.

Andrade Explains His Frustration With Repeated Rey Mysterio Storylines

During his first WWE run, Andrade frequently found himself involved in Mexican-versus-Mexican rivalries. Rey Mysterio was among the most prominent opponents he worked with, but Andrade said the pattern continued with several other Mexican wrestlers who joined the company.

In his conversation with Chris Jericho, Andrade described how the same type of storyline repeatedly returned throughout his time in WWE.

“I enjoyed every moment, and the guys respected me. I didn’t have any problem with any of the guys, but I feel like I was working a lot with Rey Mysterio and always working Mexican vs. Mexican. I had a story for three or four years where it was Mexican vs. Mexican. Rey Mysterio was for a year or a year and a half. A little story with Dominik. A story with Garza. With Berto. Whatever Mexican was there or came in: ‘Andrade, Andrade.’”

His comments suggest that the frustration was primarily about WWE’s creative direction rather than disagreements with individual wrestlers. Andrade acknowledged that his colleagues respected him and that he enjoyed many aspects of his first stint.

However, repeatedly being matched with wrestlers from a similar background left him wanting more variety. He believed that working with different opponents and exploring new rivalries could have helped him take the next step in his career.

Andrade’s First WWE Run Included the NXT and United States Championships

Andrade initially established himself as an important performer in WWE through his work in NXT. With Zelina Vega in his corner, he won the NXT Championship and became one of the brand’s notable championship talents.

He moved to WWE’s main roster in April 2018, beginning a new chapter in his career. His technical wrestling ability and in-ring performances helped him remain part of the company’s championship picture.

One of the notable moments of his main roster run came in December 2019, when he defeated Rey Mysterio to capture the United States Championship.

However, championship success did not fully resolve his concerns about his position. Andrade said that after months without regular television appearances, he began questioning whether WWE was providing the opportunities he needed to progress.

Charlotte Flair Supported Andrade’s Decision to Seek More Opportunities

Andrade also discussed how he reached the decision to leave WWE. During that period, he spoke with his then-wife, Charlotte Flair, about feeling stuck and wanting to accomplish more in Professional Wrestling.

He explained that he was no longer satisfied with his career direction and wanted to explore opportunities outside WWE. AEW and New Japan were among the promotions he considered as possible destinations.

“I was talking with my wife and said, ‘I want more. I need something. I’m not thriving in WWE.’ I wanted to go outside because there was AEW, New Japan. My first run in WWE, I wanted and needed more. I felt stuck when moving to the next step. I spoke with my ex-wife and said that I wanted more for myself. I wanted more success, so I felt I needed to leave WWE. I asked WWE for my release, and they agreed.”

Andrade’s comments highlight how his decision was connected to professional ambition. He wanted greater success and believed that leaving WWE would give him a chance to find new challenges and develop his career in a different environment.

WWE granted his release in March 2021. He subsequently made his AEW debut in June of that year, beginning his first run with the promotion.

Andrade’s Second WWE Departure Followed a Similar Pattern

Andrade eventually returned to WWE, making a surprise appearance at the 2024 Royal Rumble. His comeback created another opportunity to establish himself within the company, and he went on to win the WWE Speed Championship.

However, according to the supplied report, his second stint did not see him move beyond the middle of the card. Despite returning to the promotion and capturing a championship, he ultimately departed WWE again in September 2025.

The second departure marked another turning point in his career. His experience during the first run had already shown that he wanted more opportunities and a stronger position on the roster. His subsequent WWE stint did not produce the longer-term progression he had hoped for.

Andrade Returns to AEW and Joins the Don Callis Family

Following his second WWE departure, Andrade returned to AEW on October 1, 2025. He made an impact on Dynamite by attacking Kenny Omega and joining the Don Callis Family.

His return was not immediate, however. A dispute involving his non-compete agreement kept him away from television until the matter was resolved. Andrade eventually returned to AEW programming in January.

After returning, he moved into championship competition and won the AEW National Championship. The title victory represented another important achievement in his career following his return to the promotion.

Tommaso Ciampa Ends Andrade’s AEW National Championship Reign

Andrade’s run as AEW National Champion eventually came to an end when Tommaso Ciampa defeated him for the championship on November 7, 2026, aboard Chris Jericho’s cruise.

The title change brought an end to Andrade’s championship reign and gave Ciampa the opportunity to take over as champion. Despite losing the title, Andrade has made it clear that he has a bigger goal in mind.

According to the report, his stated next target is the AEW World Championship. Winning the promotion’s top title would represent another major milestone and the kind of success he has repeatedly said he wants to achieve throughout his career.

Andrade’s Ultimate Goal Is the AEW World Championship

Andrade’s comments to Chris Jericho provide insight into the reasons behind his first WWE departure. He was not describing personal conflicts with Rey Mysterio or other Mexican wrestlers. Instead, his frustration came from being repeatedly placed in similar rivalries and feeling that his career had stopped progressing.

His journey has since included championship opportunities in both WWE and AEW, two WWE departures and a return to AEW. Now, after losing the AEW National Championship to Tommaso Ciampa, Andrade has another major objective: reaching the top of the promotion.

Whether he can turn that ambition into an AEW World Championship opportunity remains to be seen. For now, his recent comments make one thing clear: Andrade wants more than simply being part of the roster. He wants the opportunity to establish himself as one of professional wrestling’s leading stars.