Andrade (La Sombra) Set For NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, Will Team With United Empire In 10-Man Tag Match
Andrade is heading back to New Japan.
There is a 10-man tag team match that is taking place at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4th, 2026. It will see United Empire clash with David Finlay, Shingo Takagi, Gabe Kidd, Hiromu Takahashi, and Drilla Moloney.
United Empire’s team had two spots to fill. Going into the 12/22 Road to Tokyo Dome show, Callum Newman, Great-O-Khan, and the returning HENARE were set for Team United Empire.
A video message aired during the 12/22 show, revealing that Andrade is set to return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling and will be joining Team United Empire. Andrade also called himself his former name, ‘La Sombra.’ The last time he wrestled for NJPW was in 2015, while he was a part of the CMLL talent roster.
【衝撃！なんとUNITED EMPIRE、1人目の“X”はこの男だった…！】
あのアンドラーデ・エル・イドロが、1.4東京ドームに電撃参戦表明！
「“ラ・ソンブラ”が日本に帰ってくる」https://t.co/HX9Fc76C9U#njwk20 @AndradeElIdolo pic.twitter.com/ia0Q1Ole1V— 新日本プロレスリング株式会社 (@njpw1972) December 22, 2025
Andrade wrapped up with WWE in the fall of 2025 and would go on to make his return to All Elite Wrestling. He made one appearance for the company at their anniversary show and has not returned since. He stated in early December that WWE enforced his 12-month non-compete clause.
Over the weekend, Andrade showed up at a House of Glory event and attacked the promotion’s World Champion, Charles Mason.
