Andrade to Face Former WWE Champion in First Post-WWE Match

WWE released several Superstars because of budget cuts. However, one particular Superstar wanted WWE to release him, Andrade.

The former Superstar had requested a release which was initially denied. However, at Fastlane 2021, WWE granted his wish and released him from his contract.

Now, Andrade has found himself his first post-WWE match. He will wrestle former WWE Champion Alberto del Rio at a wrestling event which will take place in McAllen, Texas on July 31st.

The reason he could get himself booked for another wrestling event is because he isn’t bound by the 90-day non-compete clause that other released Superstars have to abide by.

He entered WWE with a development contract in 2015. He made his NXT debut in 2016. Initially, he worked as babyface b turned heel after aligning with Zelina Vega.

WWE moved Zelina Vega and him to the main roster in 2017. One of their engaging rivalries was with Rey Mysterio, which gave the WWE Universe several quality matches.

WWE released Zelina Vega from her contract in November, 2020.

The last time Andrade appeared for a match at WWE was when he faced Angel Garza on October 12th, 2020 at Monday Night Raw.

Alberto deal Rio confirmed his match against Andrade

During an interview with Super Luchas, Alberto del Rio confirmed the news.

“For the first time they are going to see what people on the internet have been asking for, for a long time, Andrade against Alberto del Rio.”

Apart from Andrade and del Rio, other former Superstars such as Kalisto, Epico, and Primo are booked for an appearance.

The release of other Superstars

Recently, WWE released a plethora of Superstars as cost-cutting measures. Several fans and other entities in the wrestling industry reacted to the situation.

Many believe that releasing some Superstars was not a justified action, especially Samoa Joe. In fact, Booker T believes that releasing Samoa Joe is a loss for the company.

Read More: “It’s a Loss for the Company” – Booker T Reacts to WWE Releasing Samoa Joe

With Samoa Joe gone, the company was short of one member at the WWE Raw commentators table. To make up for it, the company sent WWE SmackDown commentator Corey Graves to WWE Raw.

Next, the company hired Pat McAfee as the new commentator and analyst for the blue brand. He will work alongside Michael Cole at the WWE SmackDown commentators’ table.