Andrade Explains Why He Was Born To Wrestle
Photo Credit: Bill Pritchard
Andrade is a former NXT Champion and WWE United States Champion but he is one superstar that remained undrafted in the 2020 WWE draft. While he is currently away nursing injury, he released a video on a personal YouTube channel that he shares with real-life fiance, Charlotte Flair about why he was born to be a professional wrestler.
Andrade goes through his family history, his time in Japan, and more before further explaining that he is now rebuilding himself and who Andrade is.
“When I was a child, I remember my dad coming home late. I remember a few times he had a bandage wrapped around his head and you could see the blood coming through. I would watch quietly from the stairs how my mom would take care of my dad and clean his forehead. I am Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza. I was born November 3rd, 1989, in Gomez Palacio Durango, Mexico. A small town in the north of Mexico. Today, I am a third-generation professional wrestler
“Jose Andrade Estrada, lucha name – El Moro, the first wrestler in my family to open the doors to this business. I don’t have many memories of my grandfather. Because I was three years old when he passed away, but my grandfather left behind 10 children. In which, seven of them became luchadores, continuing his legacy I live on. I learned at a young age that this business requires many sacrifices, my oldest uncle, Jesus Andrade Salas, was left temporarily paralyzed and in a coma from a back drop in a wrestling match in 1986. He was never able to return to the ring. When I was old enough to wrestle, he became one of my coaches.”
He continued, “My six uncles. As well as other men in my life or took part in opening my eyes and training me for this business, my dad was never my coach, but he was always watching. He has always supported me in all my decisions. The biggest one, when I was 17 years old, I went to Mexico City to make a name for myself in this business. I put school and family second to make a name in all of Mexico. I went by Brilliante Jr. in my hometown and I had made a name for myself. When I moved to Mexico City, I was starting all over. I worked my way to the main cabin in the biggest company in Mexico, CMLL. I was now known as La Sombra. Japan was the next home. I never imagined at 19 years old, I would be wrestling in Japan. When I won my first title I realized WWE was my next step. I am a junior. Grandson, son, nephew, Ingobernable, champion, the future. So now we rebuild Andrade. Why? I have no choice. I was born to do this.”
Recently, there were reports that suggested WWE is considering putting Andrade and Charlotte Flair together as a couple on screen. Learn more here.
Should you use any portion of the quotes above, transcription credit should go to Robert DeFelice for WrestleZone.