Jim Ross Reveals Andrade El Idolo’s AEW Return Caught Him Completely Off Guard

Legendary announcer Jim Ross made his long-awaited return to the AEW commentary booth during the January 7, 2026 episode of AEW Dynamite in Tulsa, Oklahoma—his first on-air appearance since mid-2025. But Ross wasn’t the only surprise that night.

During a recent episode of his Grilling J.R. podcast, Ross revealed he had no idea that Andrade El Idolo would also be making his return to AEW TV that evening—this time as the newest member of the Don Callis Family.

“I didn’t know he was even in the building, so, they kept him hid,” Ross said. “He’s a good addition, he’s a player. He can work and he can work with anybody, and he looks good, classy-looking guy, and if he’s gonna be with Don Callis, that’ll help both of ‘em.”

Andrade’s return capped off a turbulent stretch in his career. After briefly reappearing in AEW in October 2025 following the end of his WWE tenure, he was pulled from television due to a cease-and-desist from WWE, citing a year-long non-compete clause in his prior contract. That clause expired in December 2025, officially making Andrade a free agent—clearing the way for his AEW comeback and alliance with Don Callis.

While re-establishing himself in AEW, Andrade has also stayed active internationally. He wrestled at Wrestle Kingdom 20 and New Year Dash for NJPW, where he picked up a tag team win before being challenged by Gabe Kidd to a singles match at The New Beginning in Osaka on February 11, 2026. The winner of that match will earn a future title shot against Yota Tsuji for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship.

With major momentum in both AEW and NJPW, Andrade El Idolo looks to be entering a major new phase of his career—and with the backing of the Don Callis Family, things may only get more chaotic.

Were you surprised by Andrade’s return to AEW—and do you think pairing him with Don Callis is the right move? Share your thoughts in the comments below.