Andrade Comments On Moving Between AEW & WWE, Relationship With Tony Khan

Andrade El Idolo holds the distinct record for jumping back and forth between WWE and AEW the most. Originally being introduced to WWE in 2015 as 'Andrade "Cien" Almas,' Andrade eventually established himself on the main roster before leaving WWE in 2021 to jump to AEW, where he competed until 2023.

By 2024, Andrade made a high-profile return to WWE at that year's Royal Rumble, before his momentum fizzled out and he shockingly returned to AEW again in 2025. Sitting down for an interview on "Close Up with Renee Paquette," Andrade commented on his relationship with Tony Khan and the experience of jumping between the two promotions. 

"Personally, [it] was good, while professionally it was a little sad because 1) my [AEW] contract was expired at this moment, so I need to pick a decision, like I need to go for a personal life – because I was married at this moment – or my professional life, so I picked my personal life," he explained.

Andrade maintained that his exit from AEW was done professionally and that he still had a good relationship with AEW following his exit, and that he's grateful for being able to return to the promotion and doesn't plan to take his second chance for granted. 

"Now is the moment to show who I am! I need to pay to Tony, you know, like I need to pay with my work in the ring?" he proclaimed. Andrade further notes that he wants to uplift AEW while also giving back to the locker room. "This is how I need to pay Tony for this second chance, second opportunity."

Since his 2025 return, Andrade has won the AEW National Championship.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit "Close Up with Renee Paquette," and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.