WWE is intensifying its collaboration with TNA Wrestling by developing a significant invasion storyline set to unfold on the September 23 episode of NXT. This feud is designed to pit WWE’s NXT brand against TNA, with Mike Santana positioned as the leading figure tasked with revitalizing TNA amid Joe Hendry’s anticipated departure from the company.
Sources within the Wrestling Observer Newsletter have noted that while this cross-promotional angle aims to create excitement among fans, it risks causing backstage friction depending on which side appears dominant in the storyline.
Andrade’s Return to WWE Ends Amid Backstage Discontent and Creative Issues
Andrade’s second stint in WWE, which began at the 2024 Royal Rumble, concluded abruptly due to backstage frustrations and a lack of clear creative direction. During his return, Andrade contributed several memorable matches, including a best-of-seven series against Carmelo Hayes for top contender status and a WrestleMania 40 tag team match alongside Rey Mysterio.
Despite these high-profile appearances, Andrade’s momentum faltered as WWE chose to prioritize his push over Dragon Lee’s, fueling frustration among some WWE personnel. Backstage politics reportedly influenced the decision to position Andrade ahead, even though the company initially maintained optimism about his resurgence.
“In his second WWE run, which started at the 2024 Royal Rumble, he did a best-of-seven series with Carmelo Hayes over being the top contender to the U.S. title. He worked the 2024 WrestleMania, teaming with Rey Mysterio over Dominik Mysterio & Santos Escobar, but ultimately seemed like he was spinning his wheels. There were some bitter feelings of people who believed Dragon Lee should have been in that spot and there were political machinations to where he was put in, and this was still when he was somewhat new in his return and they hadn’t given up on him.”
– Wrestling Observer Newsletter
During the same period, other talents such as PENTA and Rey Fenix gained popularity with audiences, highlighting Andrade’s struggles to find a solid footing. Ultimately, these backstage tensions and the absence of a consistent storyline led to Andrade’s release, leaving room for Dragon Lee to potentially take a more prominent role within WWE.
WWE Holds Closed Press Conference for WrestleMania 43 Announcement in Saudi Arabia
When WWE revealed that WrestleMania 43 would occur in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027, the announcement was made under unusual circumstances: at a private press conference without fans or media presence. According to insiders from WWE’s parent company, TKO Group, the closed-door approach was designed to avoid any negative fan reactions or live disruptions.
Executives were particularly cautious given WWE’s longstanding and controversial partnership with Saudi Arabia, aiming to control the narrative fully. Additionally, many reporters were in the city for a major boxing event, raising concerns about challenging questions that could emerge during an open media session.
This approach highlights WWE’s intent to manage the rollout of its biggest Middle East event carefully while minimizing the risk of backlash or awkward incidents related to the ongoing geopolitical sensitivities surrounding its relationship with Saudi Arabia.
Backstage Reactions and Future Prospects for Dragon Lee and WWE Talent
The Dragon Lee WWE controversy reflects deeper frustrations around promotional choices and creative decisions within the company. WWE staff and fans have expressed dissatisfaction over the decision to prioritize Andrade’s push despite his inconsistent momentum and limited creative support.
As Andrade has now been released, the pathway may open for Dragon Lee to make a more significant impact in WWE, potentially changing the dynamics of the roster and future storylines. Meanwhile, other wrestlers such as PENTA and Rey Fenix continue to build strong connections with fans, signaling shifting audience preferences that WWE may need to address in upcoming creative plans.
Given the tense backstage atmosphere and political maneuvering, the outcome of these developments could influence WWE’s talent management and booking strategies moving forward. The company appears poised to navigate these challenges while seeking fresh opportunities to engage audiences and strengthen its roster.
