Former WWE star Andrade has stayed in the headlines since leaving All Elite Wrestling after winning a major world title. Despite restrictions following his WWE exit, Andrade has continued working on the independent scene and added another notable championship to his résumé.
A Complicated Exit From WWE
In 2021, Andrade first signed with AEW before eventually returning to WWE. His most recent departure from WWE, however, was far more complicated, as it included a 12-month non-compete clause that limited his in-ring appearances.
While this slowed his short-term plans, Andrade and his legal team worked to secure approval for limited international appearances, allowing him to remain active outside the United States.
During that time, Andrade competed in Puerto Rico for the World Wrestling Council. At the WWC Lookout event, he defeated Xavant to capture the WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship. The title win marked his second championship since leaving WWE and came while he was on hiatus from AEW due to his contractual obligations.
Gaining Momentum During Time Away
The performance highlighted Andrade’s in-ring ability, even though he had not been active for some time, and suggested a positive shift in momentum after months of uncertainty. His success in Puerto Rico showed that time away from major TV platforms had not affected his presence or performance in the ring.
Andrade did not return to action until his appearance with WWC in October 2025, where he defeated Azul to win the Crash Heavyweight Championship at The Crash. Taken together, these victories show his ability to stay sharp and effective during a transitional phase in his career, putting him in a strong position to pursue new opportunities once his legal restrictions are fully lifted.
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