Andrade's WWE Legacy: A Deep Dive into Highs, Lows, and Untapped Potential

Sep 14, 2025

Andrade's WWE Legacy: A Look Back at His Highs and Lows

Andrade, formerly known as Andrade "Cien" Almas, is a name that sparks varied reactions among wrestling fans. His WWE tenure was a rollercoaster, showcasing flashes of brilliance intertwined with frustrating booking decisions. While he possessed undeniable talent and charisma, his time with WWE ultimately left many feeling he never reached his full potential. This article aims to dissect Andrade's WWE career, examining both the highs and the lows, and ultimately assess his lasting legacy within the company.

Early Career and Rise in Mexico

Before arriving in WWE, Andrade, as La Sombra, had already established himself as a major star in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), one of Mexico's premier wrestling promotions. He was a key member of the Los Ingobernables stable and held multiple championships, including the CMLL World Trios Championship, the CMLL Universal Championship, and the CMLL World Tag Team Championship. He gained notoriety for his aerial offense, technical prowess, and his connection with the Mexican audience. His early career provides key context for understanding the expectations surrounding his WWE signing.

CMLL World Trios Champion: Multiple reigns, solidifying his status in tag team wrestling.
CMLL Universal Champion: Showcase of his singles talent and versatility.
Los Ingobernables: Key member of a highly successful and influential stable.

NXT: The Initial Spark

Andrade's arrival in NXT in 2015 was met with considerable anticipation. However, his initial months in the developmental brand were underwhelming. He struggled to connect with the American audience and his character lacked definition. It wasn't until the arrival of Zelina Vega as his manager that Andrade's NXT career truly took off. Vega, a master strategist and charismatic performer, helped Andrade refine his character, becoming a ruthless and arrogant competitor. This partnership proved to be a turning point, allowing Andrade to showcase his talent and connect with the audience in a meaningful way.

The pairing with Zelina Vega was a masterstroke. Vega's ability to cut scathing promos in both English and Spanish elevated Andrade's character and made him a compelling heel. She acted as his mouthpiece, strategist, and protector, allowing Andrade to focus on his in-ring performance. The duo quickly became one of the most captivating acts in NXT.

NXT Championship Reign: A Moment of Glory

The pinnacle of Andrade's NXT career was his NXT Championship victory over Drew McIntyre at NXT TakeOver: WarGames in November 2017. This match was a phenomenal display of athleticism, storytelling, and drama. Andrade and McIntyre delivered a hard-hitting, action-packed contest that captivated the audience. The victory cemented Andrade's status as a top star in NXT and showcased his potential to be a major player in WWE. His reign as NXT Champion, while relatively short, was a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the effectiveness of his partnership with Zelina Vega. During this time he put on match of the year candidates with Johnny Gargano in an instant classic.

The match with Johnny Gargano at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia in 2018 is often considered one of the greatest matches in NXT history. The level of in-ring storytelling, the physicality, and the sheer drama made it an instant classic. While Andrade ultimately retained the title, the match elevated both performers and solidified Andrade's legacy in NXT.

Main Roster Call-up: Hopes and Disappointments

Andrade's main roster call-up in 2018 was met with high expectations. Many fans believed that he had the potential to become a major star on Raw or SmackDown. However, his main roster run was characterized by inconsistent booking, missed opportunities, and a failure to fully capitalize on his talent. While he had several memorable matches and moments, he never achieved the same level of success that he had in NXT. One of the biggest criticisms of Andrade's main roster run was the lack of consistent storylines and character development. He often felt like just another talented wrestler on the roster, rather than a unique and compelling character.

United States Championship: A Glimmer of Hope

One of the bright spots of Andrade's main roster run was his reign as United States Champion. He defeated Rey Mysterio for the title in December 2019 and held it for several months, delivering impressive performances against a variety of opponents. During this time, he showcased his in-ring skills and charisma, reminding fans of his potential. However, even during his United States Championship reign, there were inconsistencies in his booking. He often found himself in meaningless feuds or being used to elevate other wrestlers. This ultimately undermined his credibility as champion and prevented him from reaching his full potential.

The Split with Zelina Vega and Subsequent Decline

The decision to split Andrade and Zelina Vega in 2020 was widely criticized by fans and analysts alike. Their partnership had been a key factor in Andrade's success, and separating them seemed to serve no clear purpose. After the split, both performers struggled to maintain their momentum. Zelina Vega was eventually released by WWE, while Andrade found himself increasingly marginalized. The split highlighted a recurring problem with WWE's booking: the tendency to break up successful acts without a clear plan for their individual careers.

Release from WWE and Future Prospects

Andrade was granted his release from WWE in March 2021. The release came as a surprise to some, but it was also seen as an opportunity for Andrade to reinvent himself and pursue new opportunities. Many fans and analysts speculated about his potential destinations, with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) being the most frequently mentioned. Andrade's talent and experience made him a valuable asset to any wrestling promotion.

Analyzing the Highs: What Worked for Andrade in WWE?

Despite the frustrations and inconsistencies, there were definitely aspects of Andrade's WWE run that worked well. These moments provide valuable insight into his potential and the factors that contributed to his success.

The Pairing with Zelina Vega: As previously mentioned, this was arguably the most important factor in Andrade's success. Vega's mic skills, strategic mind, and overall presence elevated Andrade's character and made him a compelling performer.
In-Ring Ability: Andrade is an exceptionally talented wrestler with a diverse skillset. He can work a variety of styles and adapt to different opponents. His in-ring performances were consistently strong, even when his storylines were lacking.
NXT Championship Reign: His time as NXT Champion was a showcase of his potential. He delivered memorable matches and proved that he could be a top star.
United States Championship Reign: While the booking was inconsistent, his reign as United States Champion provided him with an opportunity to showcase his talent on the main roster.

Examining the Lows: Where Did WWE Go Wrong with Andrade?

To fully understand Andrade's WWE legacy, it's crucial to examine the factors that contributed to his underutilization. These issues highlight systemic problems with WWE's booking and character development.

Inconsistent Booking: This was the biggest problem plaguing Andrade's main roster run. He was often booked inconsistently, with no clear direction or long-term plan.
Lack of Character Development: While Zelina Vega helped to define Andrade's character in NXT, he never truly developed a distinct persona on the main roster. He often felt like just another talented wrestler, rather than a unique and compelling character.
The Split with Zelina Vega: This decision was widely criticized and ultimately proved to be detrimental to both performers.
Language Barrier: While Andrade is fluent in Spanish, his English skills were not as strong. This may have limited his opportunities to cut promos and connect with the audience on a deeper level. However, this could have been mitigated by continued use of Zelina Vega.
Missed Opportunities: There were several moments where WWE could have elevated Andrade to the next level, but they failed to capitalize on them. For example, his matches with Rey Mysterio were often highly praised, but they never led to a sustained push.

The Impact of Vince McMahon's Vision

A significant factor influencing Andrade's WWE career was Vince McMahon's vision for the character. Reports often surfaced suggesting McMahon didn't fully "get" Andrade or know how to best utilize him. McMahon's influence on booking decisions is well-documented, and it's plausible his lack of understanding contributed to Andrade's inconsistent portrayal. This underscores the challenges faced by talented performers when their presentation clashes with the chairman's vision.

Could Andrade Have Succeeded in Today's WWE?

With Triple H now in charge of creative in WWE, it's worth considering whether Andrade would have fared better under the new regime. Triple H has a proven track record of recognizing and nurturing talent, and he has shown a willingness to push performers who might have been overlooked under Vince McMahon. It's possible that Andrade would have been given more opportunities to showcase his skills and develop a compelling character under Triple H's leadership. However, there's no guarantee that he would have achieved the success that many fans believe he deserved.

Andrade's AEW Run: A Redemption Story?

After his WWE release, Andrade joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW). His run in AEW, while not without its challenges, has provided him with the opportunity to showcase his talent and work with a variety of opponents. He has feuded with the likes of Cody Rhodes, PAC, and Darby Allin, delivering impressive performances. However, his AEW run has also been criticized for its inconsistent booking and lack of direction. Despite this, Andrade remains a valuable asset to AEW, and he has the potential to achieve great things in the company.

Andrade's WWE Legacy: A Final Assessment

So, what is Andrade's lasting legacy in WWE? While he didn't achieve the level of success that many fans had hoped for, he still left a mark on the company. His NXT Championship reign was a highlight, and he delivered several memorable matches on the main roster. He is remembered as a supremely talented wrestler with undeniable charisma. However, he is also remembered as a performer who was ultimately underutilized and whose potential was never fully realized. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of consistent booking, character development, and a clear vision for a performer's career. His success in NXT and initial promise on the main roster highlight what could have been, making his underutilization all the more frustrating for fans. He showed that he could reach the top with the right management. It is a testament to his in-ring ability that he is still remembered by fans today.

Undeniable Talent: Andrade possessed exceptional in-ring skills and charisma.
NXT Success: His NXT Championship reign was a highlight of his WWE career.
Underutilized Potential: He never achieved the same level of success on the main roster.
Inconsistent Booking: His main roster run was plagued by inconsistent booking and a lack of character development.
A Cautionary Tale: His story serves as a reminder of the importance of proper booking and character development.

Ultimately, Andrade's WWE legacy is one of untapped potential. He had all the tools to be a major star, but he was ultimately held back by inconsistent booking and a lack of a clear vision. Despite this, he is still remembered as a talented performer who delivered several memorable moments. While his WWE career may not have lived up to expectations, it serves as a reminder of the importance of proper management and creative direction in the world of professional wrestling.

Key Takeaways: Lessons from Andrade's WWE Journey

Andrade's WWE journey offers valuable lessons for both wrestlers and wrestling promotions.

The Importance of Character Development: A compelling character is just as important as in-ring ability. Wrestlers need to connect with the audience on an emotional level to truly succeed.
The Power of a Strong Manager: A good manager can elevate a wrestler's character and help them connect with the audience. Zelina Vega played a crucial role in Andrade's success in NXT.
The Need for Consistent Booking: Inconsistent booking can derail a wrestler's career, even if they are incredibly talented. Wrestlers need a clear direction and long-term plan to reach their full potential.
The Value of Opportunity: Wrestlers need opportunities to showcase their skills and connect with the audience. They need to be given a chance to prove themselves and reach the next level.

The Future: What's Next for Andrade?

Andrade's future remains uncertain, but he has the potential to achieve great things in the wrestling industry. Whether he stays in AEW or pursues other opportunities, his talent and experience will make him a valuable asset to any promotion. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this talented and enigmatic performer.

Fan Reactions and Online Discussions

Online forums and social media platforms are filled with discussions about Andrade's WWE run. Many fans express frustration over his underutilization and debate the reasons behind his lack of success. Some blame the booking, while others point to the language barrier or a perceived lack of charisma. Regardless of the reasons, there is a consensus among fans that Andrade had the potential to be a major star in WWE, but he was ultimately held back by circumstances beyond his control. These discussions highlight the passionate fanbase that Andrade has cultivated and the ongoing interest in his career.

The #Andrade hashtag on Twitter frequently features discussions about his past WWE run and his current endeavors. Fans often share clips of his best matches and express their hopes for his future success. These online communities provide a platform for fans to connect with each other and share their thoughts and opinions on Andrade's career.