Andrade confirms new name amid uncertain AEW future

As speculations surrounding his AEW future continues to rage, Andrade recently made a shocking appearance at an indie event on US soil. Responding to his actions at the show, El Idolo has seemingly also adopted a new moniker.

After he vanished from AEW television promptly after his return to the promotion, it was reported that WWE had sent the Tony Khan-led company a cease-and-desist letter because Andrade had supposedly been in violation of a year-long non-compete. The former NXT Champion claimed in recent interviews that the clause was enacted only after his All Elite Wrestling appearance, and revealed that he was negotiating with the sports entertainment juggernaut to resolve their dispute quickly.

Earlier this month, WWE sent Andrade a letter allowing him to compete at WCW Lockout in Puerto Rico. This past Friday, at HOG Winter Warfare in New York City, the luchador made a shocking appearance, attacking reigning HOG Heavyweight Champion Charles Mason, laying him out with a DDT. Recently, a fan on X/Twitter shared a clip from the show capturing El Idolo's ambush of Mason, and dubbed him with a new nickname, which the star himself seemingly adopted.

"THE HITMAN!!!!" - Andrade wrote.

Shocking title change taped for last SmackDown - Watch Now!

With Dynamite on 34th Street set to also air from New York, it remains to be seen if Andrade's AEW return is just a matter of time.

AEW CEO Tony Khan's recent comments on Andrade

During his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show last month, Tony Khan spoke up about Andrade amidst his contractual situation with WWE. Heaping praise on the former US Champion, TK revealed that he would be monitoring El Idolo's status, and stated that the latter would be welcome to return to AEW as soon as he is able to come back.

"I had a great experience with him, and he left on the best of terms. And now, when he said he was free and made his one night appearance, I was thrilled to see him again. Anytime he's free – whenever that is – he is absolutely always welcome… It is an interesting situation that I am going to keep an eye on, but I absolutely think the world of Andrade El Idolo,” Khan said. [H/T: Fightful's X handle]

It remains to be seen what lies next on Andrade El Idolo's pro-wrestling journey.

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Edited by Anurag Mukherjee