Andrade El Idolo: The New Wrestling War Has Its Double J Moment

We can discuss the current wrestling landscape and whether or not there is an actual ‘war’ between WWE and AEW until we are blue in the face – and judging by wrestling social media, a lot of people do exactly that. But there is usually a good indicator of a wrestling war: who is jumping ship.

In the mid-1990s, WCW first revved up its operations by signing the ‘older’ legends Hulk Hogan (at a mere 40 years old, he would barely tip the age average in today’s rosters) and Randy Savage. But the real boost came when Razor Ramon and Diesel jumped ship in 1996 and the NWO was formed.

Together with an influx of young talent like Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, Eddie Guerrero and Dean Malenko that revolutionized the American in-ring style, WCW began, for the first time in its existence, to take the spot as market leader in North America’s pro wrestling scene.
At that point, talent began jumping ship from the WWE as well. Sean Waltman joined his friends Hall and Nash. Ted DiBiase became their manager. Curt Hennig made his in-ring return in WCW.

Another guy who made the switch was Jeff Jarrett.

In WCW, Jarrett found himself pretty much in the same spot he had held in the WWE: he held the United States title as a midcard heel feuding mostly with Steve McMichael and Dean Malenko while trying to become a Horseman.

By late 1997, WCW added Davey Boy Smith, Jim Neidhart and, most importantly Bret Hart after the Montreal Screwjob. The continual crowding of the main event scene and stagnation in midcard feuds led Jarrett to jump back to the WWE – where he, once again, found himself in the midcard, feuding for the Intercontinental title against the likes of D-Lo Brown and Chyna.

When Vince Russo – a known backstage proponent of Jeff – left WWE for a floundering WCW, it was a no-brainer for Double J to follow. The weakened state of WCW, in combination with his friend and booker Russo being in charge, would give Jarrett the opportunity to raise to the main event level. The plan worked. Jeff Jarrett became a 4-time WCW World Heavyweight champion while WCW lay on its deathbed.

What all this has to do with the current rivalry between AEW and WWE? A lot, actually.

Founded in 2019, AEW signed established main eventers Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley very quickly. Both became initial cornerstones of the company. Very quickly, Christian Cage joined as well. There is nothing wrong with a new promotion signing established talent; in fact, it makes a lot of sense as it gives the promotion instant credibility and build stars on the backs of these established names.

But the real boost came in 2021 when, in short succession, CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, and Adam Cole all signed with AEW. Young talent like MJF and Darby Allin brought a new style and voice, much like WCW’s cruiserweights had done almost twenty-five years prior. The tide seemed to change: while WWE’s product was trying to recover from creatively miserable years in 2019 and 2020, AEW was fresh, it was young, and it was cool.

Andrade had made the switch from WWE to AEW just before this hot streak started for AEW. Debuting in June 2021, Andrade hoped to be featured more prominently in AEW than in WWE. However, the influx of new talent together with backstage issues (Sammy Guevara) led to a forgettable run. After two years that didn’t really pan out as he had hoped for, Andrade returned to WWE after his contract with AEW expired in late 2023.

Unfortunately, Andrade’s second WWE run was even more forgettable than his first. Combined with (alleged) violations against WWE’s wellness policy, Andrade’s stint with WWE ended a few weeks ago.

Now he is back in AEW – a different AEW than he found during his first run. Cody Rhodes and CM Punk have moved on to become two of the three biggest babyfaces on WWE television. Bryan Danielson has retired from active competition; Adam Cole may be retired too. Chris Jericho is barely a factor anymore. Jon Moxley and Christian Cage seem played out. Kenny Omega is dealing with health issues and the entire Elite saga has lost all its appeal. The top legend babyface spot has moved from Sting to Adam Copeland, who seems on a deal with limited appearances.

Like WCW in late 1999, the established names that are still there (like Jericho or Moxley) are played out. The company is in need of new top players, new stars. There is still talent but they are not yet established names. Much like Jarrett, Andrade is returning to a weakened side, hoping to find success. Like WCW in 1999, there is also the assumption that AEW as a company will be there as long as somebody is willing to foot the bill.

In a way, this scenario is an opportunity for AEW. If Andrade’s return becomes a success story then AEW may be able to provide other WWE midcard talent with a lifeline: there is a place to succeed outside WWE. An opportunity for growth. An opportunity to reinvent yourself. An opportunity to build something.

But this requires changes in AEW’s philosophy and booking. Us fans shouldn’t hold our breath. And neither should Andrade.