Andrade El dolo has pulled back the curtain on one of the wildest surprise returns in recent wrestling historyand according to him, it almost didnt happen the way fans saw it.
Speaking on Enmascarados El Podcast, Andrade detailed how his AEW return came together just days after leaving WWE in September 2025, why he believed he was legally free to appear, and how WWE only reacted after the moment went viral.
Andrade explained that when he officially left WWE on September 13, he immediately asked about a noncompete clausesomething most wrestlers receive in writing.
Because he never received paperwork, Andrade assumed he was clear to work elsewhere and began fielding calls from promoters worldwide. Thats when AEW unexpectedly reached outwhile taping a show in Hollywood, Florida, just minutes from his home.
There was just one problem: Andrade wasnt ready. No haircut. No shave. No preparation. But AEW was committedand determined to keep the return completely secret. Andrade described an almost spymovielevel operation to keep him hidden backstage.
When the moment finally arrivedright after a Kenny Omega matchAndrade walked out wearing a black mask before revealing himself to the crowd.
The reaction didnt stop there. Andrade said the clip went nuclear online almost immediately. According to Andrade, that was the moment WWE finally reacted. Only days later, Andrade claims WWE contacted him with a very different message.
That revelation sparked the legal dispute that remains unresolved as of the interview. Andrade made it clear that at the time of his AEW return, he genuinely believed he was in the clearand AEW acted accordingly.
The story paints Andrades AEW return as equal parts chaos, opportunity, and miscommunicationone that instantly became a viral moment and quietly ignited a behindthescenes legal battle.
Do you think Andrade was right to return when he did, or should AEW have waited until everything was officially in writing? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know where you land.
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