Andrade returns to AEW, wins The Crash title in Mexico

Andrade El Idolo made a sudden return to All Elite Wrestling on October 1, appearing on the promotion's Dynamite anniversary episode in Jacksonville to attack Kenny Omega and align himself with the Don Callis Family. Two days later, on October 3 in Tijuana, Mexico, the 35 year old defeated DMT Azul to capture The Crash Heavyweight Championship, ending Azul's roughly 880 to 900 day title reign in what promoters billed as Andrade's first match since leaving WWE.

According to multiple reports, Andrade's exit from WWE on September 13 followed alleged violations of the company's wellness policy. Those accounts say WWE chose to cut ties immediately rather than pay the performer through a typical noncompete window, a decision that allowed Andrade to accept outside bookings and return to the independent circuit and AEW within weeks. The immediate availability is the reason cited for his rapid reappearance on AEW television and his participation in the Tijuana event.

Andrade's return marks the second time he has crossed between the two major U.S. promotions. He first joined AEW in June 2021 after leaving WWE, departed AEW in December 2023, resurfaced in WWE at the Royal Rumble in January...