Andrade Sends Congratulations To WWE Star Following Major Victory

WWE/AEW

Andrade has sent his congratulations to a former rival of his in WWE following a major victory this past week.

Last week’s episode of WWE SmackDown was the final episode of 2025, which was taped the prior week due to the talent taking time off for the Holidays.

On the show, Carmelo Hayes captured his first championship of his WWE main roster career, answering Ilja Dragunov’s open challenge for the United States Championship, defeating Dragunov to win the title.

Taking to social media earlier today, former WWE star Andrade, who had an incredible series of matches against Hayes last year on SmackDown, sent his congratulations to Carmelo following his victory.

He said:

Congratulations brother!! @Carmelo_WWE You deserve it! Thank you for those great matches!

Hayes responded to Andrade, thanking him for their matches together.

He said:

Amigo!

Glad I got to wrestle you all over the world! Got better every time I shared the ring with you! Thank you bro

Andrade departed WWE back in September due to a reported number of wellness policy violations, with him showing up in AEW a few weeks later before he was pulled from television due to still being under a WWE non-compete.

Andrade is now reportedly free and clear to wrestle wherever he wishes following his WWE departure.

Amigo!

Glad I got to wrestle you all over the world! Got better every time I shared the ring with you! Thank you bro 🙏🏾 👊🏾 https://t.co/kRvaGJYUOO

— Carmelo Hayes (@Carmelo_WWE) December 30, 2025