Andrade Confirms NJPW Return at Wrestle Kingdom 20 After 10-Year Absence

Andrade El Ídolo is officially set to return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling for the first time in over a decade.

In a video aired during NJPW’s Road to Tokyo Dome event on December 22, Andrade confirmed he’ll be stepping back into a New Japan ring at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026. The return marks his first NJPW appearance since 2015, when he wrestled under the name La Sombra.

The Mexican star confirmed he’ll be teaming with members of the United Empire in a 5-on-5 tag match against Bullet Club War Dogs, Hiromu Takahashi, and Shingo Takagi.

“La Sombra is back in Japan. I’m not going to see Hiroshi Tanahashi. I have business all over the world. But in Japan, I have very good business with my friends of the United Empire. Amigos, see you at Wrestle Kingdom.”

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The return comes at a wild time for El Ídolo, who’s been popping up everywhere since departing WWE in September 2025. Most recently, he shocked fans at the December 19 House of Glory show by attacking HOG World Champion Charles Mason after Mason retained his title against Mustafa Ali.

That ambush followed his now-infamous return to AEW in early October, where he was smuggled into the building in a wheelchair under a blanket to avoid detection. WWE has since contested the move, claiming Andrade is still under a one-year non-compete clause.

But Andrade clearly isn’t worried. Between crashing indie events and now headlining Wrestle Kingdom with the United Empire, El Ídolo’s proving he’s going wherever he wants, whenever he wants—and the world is officially watching again.

What do you think of Andrade El Ídolo’s return to NJPW for Wrestle Kingdom 20? Is this the comeback run he’s been waiting for? Sound off below and let us know your thoughts.

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