The WWE Universe is witnessing a potential reversal in the company’s stance on Alberto Del Rio, a controversial former WWE Champion, as major figures like Roman Reigns and The Undertaker reportedly support his return. This development comes amid ongoing skepticism rooted in Del Rio’s complicated past, but recent events suggest that top WWE leaders are actively lobbying for his reinstatement.
As prominent backstage leaders representing different eras in WWE history, Roman Reigns, also known as The Tribal Chief, and The Undertaker, widely referred to as The Phenom, carry significant influence within both creative circles and locker rooms. Their involvement signals a shift in the company’s attitude towards Del Rio, who has previously faced opposition due to various controversies during his earlier WWE runs from 2009 to 2014 and then again between 2015 and 2016.
Background on Alberto Del Rio and His WWE History
Alberto Del Rio, heralded as one of Mexico’s top wrestling exports, originally gained prominence in WWE following his debut in June 2009. He had two major tenures with the company before moving on to other promotions. Most notably, WWE’s acquisition of AAA, a major Mexican lucha libre organization where Del Rio had been a key figure, reignited speculation about his potential WWE return.
Despite announcing intentions to work with WWE again after the acquisition, Del Rio’s ambitions were curtailed when AAA officials transferred the Mega Championship from him to El Hijo del Vikingo. Del Rio’s second AAA run officially ended after a July loss to El Mesias, which, due to pre-match stipulations, forced him out. This departure proved unpopular among fans, as vocal supporters interrupted Triple H’s social media posts to show their loyalty to Del Rio.
Fan Support and WWE’s Creative Shifts Fuel Del Rio’s Prospects
Following Del Rio’s AAA exit, hopes for his WWE comeback appeared to dwindle, especially after the WWE Chief Content Officer was spotted at AAA Triplemania XXXIII. During this event, Rey Mysterio inducted Konnan into the promotion’s Hall of Fame, provoking chants from the crowd calling for Del Rio’s return.
Rey Mysterio publicly expressed his willingness to “bring him out right now,” a promise that seemed to reflect broader backstage support among WWE’s top-tier talent. According to Hugo Savinovich, a former WWE commentator and manager, this moment resonated with stars such as Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre, who witnessed the segment and took note of the fervent fan reaction.
“This isn’t about one month or two months. We’re talking almost four years now. Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre saw the segment where Rey Mysterio inducted Konnan into the Hall of Fame–people wouldn’t stop chanting. Rey Mysterio said, ‘I’ll bring him out right now.’ He said it. I know Rey Mysterio. He could’ve done anything else, but he chose to say, ‘I’ll bring him right now.’ Because in his heart, Rey wants Alberto back,” Hugo Savinovich said. —Hugo Savinovich, Former WWE Commentator
Widespread Backing from WWE’s Elite Supports Del Rio’s Return
Hugo Savinovich has emphasized that the push for Del Rio’s return isn’t merely the wish of isolated individuals, but rather a collective effort backed by some of WWE’s most influential superstars. Beyond Reigns, Mysterio, and Drew McIntyre, other notable advocates include John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and a number of Samoan wrestlers such as The Usos. Even The Undertaker, who has recently increased his involvement in WWE’s creative direction, is reportedly eager to use his influence to help restore Del Rio’s status.
“Knowing that important people like Roman Reigns want Alberto back. The problem isn’t a big star telling the office, ‘I don’t want Alberto here.’ No—when a big star and other big stars say, ‘You know what? Alberto deserves to come back because he’s proven himself,'” Hugo Savinovich said. —Hugo Savinovich, Former WWE Commentator
“But knowing that Roman Reigns respects him, and that stars like Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, the whole Samoan clan, Rey Mysterio–they all want him back–that says a lot. But now, with Undertaker heavily involved in creative, and knowing he, like Roman, wants Alberto back–Undertaker is ready to use his creative mind to elevate Alberto’s character. With Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre, the Samoans, Rey Mysterio, Undertaker, Konnan, Savio Vega–all backing Alberto–it’s clear,” Hugo Savinovich said. —Hugo Savinovich, Former WWE Commentator
Alberto Del Rio’s Future in WWE Hinges on Leadership and Fan Demand
As momentum builds among WWE’s key figures and passionate fans, it becomes increasingly evident that Del Rio’s return could be imminent. Savinovich highlights that WWE needs Alberto Del Rio just as much as he needs WWE, pointing to a rare alignment between backstage support and audience enthusiasm.
The endorsement from Roman Reigns, who echoed Rey Mysterio’s call to action, underscores a shift in the locker room’s position on Del Rio’s value and potential contributions to the company’s future storylines. This newfound backing from established leaders like The Undertaker and Reigns could mark the beginning of a significant career revival for Del Rio within WWE.
“We need this man, it’s time to bring Alberto back.” —Roman Reigns (as paraphrased by Hugo Savinovich)
With such influential advocates pushing for Del Rio’s comeback, WWE is poised to reconsider the veteran’s role in upcoming programming. Should this momentum continue, fans may soon see Del Rio reemerge as an important figure in the wrestling world, potentially revitalized under the guidance of The Undertaker and Roman Reigns. This development hints at future storylines that blend legacy, redemption, and the ongoing evolution of WWE’s roster dynamics.
