Andrade El Idolo returns to AEW, signs full-time, joins Don Callis

Andrade El Idolo made a surprise return to All Elite Wrestling on Wednesday night, appearing at the promotion's sixth anniversary episode of Dynamite in Hollywood, Florida, to attack Kenny Omega and announce he has re-signed with AEW as a full‑time performer. The 35‑year‑old then aligned with the Don Callis Family, delivering a postmatch message to Callis that praised him as a strategic influence on Omega.

Reports said Andrade's signing was finalized in the days before his appearance and that some creative planning had been developed even prior to the contract being completed. His return comes weeks after WWE terminated his contract in September, following reports of violations of the company's wellness policy. Those reports also said WWE did not apply the standard 90‑day noncompete restriction in his case, allowing AEW to move quickly to secure him.

Company executives have identified Mexico as a key growth market, and reports indicate one major reason for bringing Andrade back was his broad popularity there. AEW has an ongoing working relationship with Mexican promotion CMLL and a broadcast arrangement in the region, and Andrade's history as a major star in Mexico positions him...