Andrade Turned Down NXT Return Before Leaving WWE

Andrade has revealed he rejected the opportunity to return to NXT during a conversation with Triple H prior to getting his release from WWE.

Andrade was let go from his WWE contract last Sunday having reportedly requested his release the week prior. The 31-year-old had not been seen on WWE television since October, having undergone a minor elective procedure, but was able to return to the ring in November.

The former NXT Champion has now revealed he spoke to the black-and-gold brand's executive producer, Triple H, before he requested to be released by the company. Andrade claims Triple H said he and Vince McMahon did not know he was cleared and able to return to action, before suggesting the Mexican return to NXT for a year.

When Andrade declined the opportunity, Triple H then floated the idea of letting him go with the door remaining open for a potential return in the future.

Speaking on a media conference call, Andrade said: “I never proposed going back to NXT. They proposed it to me. But when they noticed that I’m quitting, they asked me if I wanted to spend a year in NXT, then go back to the main roster. I told them that I wanted to make it on the main roster.

"I don’t think being in NXT is a lesser thing, but I would rather be out of the company than be in NXT because at least out there, I can make more noise. I don’t have anything against NXT or the wrestlers there, but I didn’t want to take a step back.

"I spoke with Triple H before I asked for my release. It was over the phone and not in person because I had COVID. Two days before my release, I still talked with Triple H. I told him the truth and that I wanted an opportunity. He told me that they honestly were not aware that I was ready. I don’t know who in the office wouldn’t tell Vince and Triple H that I was ready since November. They didn’t know that I was medically cleared. [Triple H] told me that he didn’t know.

"He then told me, how about a run on NXT. I told him that I wanted an opportunity on SmackDown or Raw. I didn’t want to be someone who stayed in the back complaining, but complaining among the wrestlers. I don’t want to complain to the wrestlers, but talk to the office and say I want an opportunity. I don’t want to be four or five years doing nothing and just receiving a check.

"I was asked for maybe a year in NXT, then return to the [main roster] and see how things change. He said he knows how talented I am and how successful I am in NXT and was offered more money. I told him I don’t want to go to NXT. I want an opportunity on SmackDown and Raw. He then told me, ‘How about we let you go and then maybe in three or four years, you can come back?’ We negotiated the best we could but they asked about NXT and I said no. NXT has a lot of talent, but I don’t want to come back."

H/T Fightful, Carlos Toro & Luis Pulido