Andrade is heading back to New Japan. The former WWE United States Champion was revealed as the newest member of United Empire during the Road to Tokyo Dome event on December 22. In a video message aired during the show, Andrade announced he would be joining the faction for a major 10-man tag team match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026.
The match will see United Empire clash with the team of David Finlay, Shingo Takagi, Gabe Kidd, Hiromu Takahashi, and Drilla Moloney. Going into the December 22 show, United Empire had two open spots on their team, with Callum Newman, Great-O-Khan, and the returning HENARE already confirmed. Andrade fills one of those spots and revealed he will be using his former name, “La Sombra.”
This marks Andrade’s first appearance for NJPW since 2015, when he was still part of the CMLL roster. The return comes after a turbulent few months for the star. Andrade wrapped up his run with WWE in the fall of 2025 and made a single appearance for AEW at their anniversary show. He stated in early December that WWE enforced a 12-month non-compete clause, preventing him from returning to AEW television.
In addition to his NJPW return, Andrade has been active on the independent scene. He appeared at a House of Glory event and attacked the promotion’s World Champion, Charles Mason.
Wrestle Kingdom 20 is scheduled to take place at the Tokyo Dome and will feature a historic double main event. In addition to the United Empire’s battle, the show will see Hiroshi Tanahashi compete in his retirement match against AEW’s Kazuchika Okada, while Konosuke Takeshita defends the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Yota Tsuji in a Winner Takes All match that also includes the IWGP Global Heavyweight Title.
【衝撃！なんとUNITED EMPIRE、1人目の“X”はこの男だった…！】
あのアンドラーデ・エル・イドロが、1.4東京ドームに電撃参戦表明！
「“ラ・ソンブラ”が日本に帰ってくる」https://t.co/HX9Fc76C9U#njwk20 @AndradeElIdolo pic.twitter.com/ia0Q1Ole1V— 新日本プロレスリング株式会社 (@njpw1972) December 22, 2025
