WWE Brings Back Alberto Del Rio Through AAA Acquisition

WWE’s deal to acquire AAA isn’t finalized yet, but the company is already locking in major names from the iconic Mexican promotion—and one name in particular has fans raising eyebrows.

According to Super Luchas Editor-in-Chief Ernesto Ocamo, WWE has signed several standout stars from AAA as part of its expanding partnership. The list includes Alberto El Patron, Hijo de Dr. Wagner, Hijo del Vikingo, La Parka, La Hiedra, Lady Flammer, Lady Maravilla, and Niño Hamburguesa.

Of all the names, Alberto El Patron—formerly known in WWE as Alberto Del Rio—is easily the most controversial. Despite past legal issues and controversies that had seemingly shut the door on a WWE return, El Patron is expected to continue performing under WWE’s banner via AAA. Whether he’ll be brought back to WWE television remains uncertain.

Alberto Del Rio’s WWE history is complicated. He was first released in 2014 after a backstage altercation with a WWE employee. Del Rio reportedly slapped a social media manager after the employee allegedly made a racist remark—WWE cited “unprofessional conduct” at the time. He returned to the company in 2015 but left again in 2016 after frustrations with creative direction and a Wellness Policy violation.

Outside the ring, Del Rio faced serious legal issues in 2020 when he was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping and sexual assault. The charges were eventually dropped in 2021 due to insufficient evidence, but the case did long-term damage to his reputation in the wrestling industry. Many believed the door to WWE had been permanently closed—until now.

The rest of the roster represents a blend of top champions, rising talent, and legacy names, showing WWE’s clear intent to bolster both AAA and possibly its own future international events. Hijo del Vikingo stands out as a major get, with his jaw-dropping athleticism making him one of the most in-demand wrestlers in the world. Meanwhile, the inclusion of La Parka and Lady Flammer brings legacy and star power that could reshape WWE’s presence in Latin America.

The signs of WWE’s influence are already clear. Rey Mysterio appeared via video to open the first AAA show under WWE’s umbrella, declaring, “The future flies here.”

This could be the beginning of a massive shift in how WWE handles global expansion—and with these names on board, the game has officially changed.