35 Facts About Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza

Early Life and Background

Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza, known to wrestling fans as Andrade, has a rich history that predates his wrestling fame. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about his early life and background.

1. Born on November 3, 1989, in Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico, Andrade grew up in a wrestling family.
2. His father, José Andrade Salas, and uncles were professional wrestlers, which influenced his career choice.
3. He started training at a young age, stepping into the ring for the first time at just 13 years old.
4. Initially, he wrestled under the name "Brillante Jr." to honor his father, who wrestled as "Brillante."
5. Andrade's family runs the wrestling promotion "Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide," where he first showcased his talents.

Career Beginnings in Mexico

Before making waves internationally, Andrade honed his skills in Mexico's vibrant wrestling scene. Here are some key moments from his early career.

6. Andrade debuted in 2003 for the Mexican wrestling promotion "CMLL" (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre).
7. He adopted the ring name "La Sombra" in 2007, which means "The Shadow" in Spanish.
8. In 2010, he won the prestigious "NWA World Historic Welterweight Championship."
9. Andrade was part of the wrestling group "Los Ingobernables," which translates to "The Ungovernables."
10. He became one of the youngest wrestlers to win the "CMLL Universal Championship" at age 21.

Transition to WWE

Andrade's move to WWE marked a significant turning point in his career. Let's explore some pivotal facts about this transition.

11. Andrade signed with WWE in November 2015, joining their developmental territory, NXT.
12. He debuted in NXT under the ring name "Andrade 'Cien' Almas."
13. His first major victory in NXT came against Tye Dillinger at NXT TakeOver: The End in 2016.
14. Andrade won the NXT Championship in November 2017 by defeating Drew McIntyre.
15. He was named the "NXT Male Competitor of the Year" in 2017.

Main Roster Success

After his success in NXT, Andrade moved to WWE's main roster, where he continued to impress. Here are some highlights from his main roster career.

16. Andrade debuted on the main roster in April 2018 on SmackDown Live.
17. He formed a successful partnership with manager Zelina Vega, who played a crucial role in his matches.
18. Andrade won the WWE United States Championship in December 2019.
19. He had memorable feuds with top WWE stars like Rey Mysterio and Finn Bálor.
20. Andrade was drafted to the Raw brand during the 2019 WWE Draft.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond the ring, Andrade has a life filled with interesting hobbies and personal milestones. Let's take a look at some of these aspects.

21. Andrade is engaged to fellow WWE superstar Charlotte Flair, daughter of wrestling legend Ric Flair.
22. He is fluent in both Spanish and English, often switching between the two during interviews.
23. Andrade enjoys soccer and supports the Mexican national team.
24. He has several tattoos, each with personal significance, including one dedicated to his late mother.
25. Andrade is known for his love of luxury cars, often sharing pictures of his collection on social media.

Return to Mexico and AEW

After leaving WWE, Andrade returned to his roots and explored new opportunities. Here are some key facts about this phase of his career.

26. Andrade requested his release from WWE in March 2021, which was granted.
27. He made a surprise return to AAA in May 2021, challenging Kenny Omega for the AAA Mega Championship.
28. Andrade signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in June 2021, debuting as "Andrade El Idolo."
29. He quickly aligned himself with Vickie Guerrero, another prominent wrestling figure.
30. Andrade has continued to compete in both AEW and AAA, showcasing his versatility.

Legacy and Impact

Andrade's impact on the wrestling world is undeniable. Let's explore some facts about his legacy and contributions to the sport.

31. Andrade is credited with helping to bridge the gap between Mexican and American wrestling styles.
32. He has inspired a new generation of wrestlers in Mexico and beyond.
33. Andrade's matches are known for their high-flying maneuvers and technical prowess.
34. He has been praised for his ability to adapt to different wrestling styles and opponents.
35. Andrade continues to be a prominent figure in wrestling, with fans eagerly anticipating his next move.

Final Glimpse at Andrade's Journey

Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza, known to wrestling fans as Andrade, has had an impressive career. From his early days in Mexico to his rise in WWE, Andrade's talent and dedication have made him a standout performer. His high-flying moves and technical skills have earned him numerous titles and a loyal fan base. Beyond the ring, Andrade's personal life, including his relationship with Charlotte Flair, adds another layer to his story. His journey is a testament to hard work and passion. As he continues to evolve in AEW, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next. Andrade's story is far from over, and his impact on wrestling is undeniable. Keep an eye on this dynamic wrestler; his future promises more excitement and achievements.