Darby Allin believes Andrade El Idolo has learned the value of AEW.
The Mexican star's stock has seen a big jump since his return to the company in January. While considered only a mid-carder by many before that, the 36-year-old has picked up victories over former World Champions such as Swerve Strickland and Kenny Omega in the past few months, and he is now seen as a legit main eventer in Tony Khan's promotion.
During a recent interview with iHeartMedia, Darby Allin was asked about this recent change for Andrade. While not naming WWE directly, the former TNT Champion suggested that his run with the rival promotion has made El Idolo realize the importance of AEW:
I feel like with Andrade leaving and coming back, he truly understood the importance of AEW. He truly understood that. With AEW, it’s all up to you, how high you want to go, how low you want to go, it’s all up to you.
This Can Give You Everything: Darby Allin
Darby Allin explained that the top brass at AEW respects loyalty to the company and returns the favor to anyone who gives everything to the promotion. He claimed that the current version of Andrade is the best we've ever seen:
If you just go out there and you kick ass in that ring and you’re willing to give everything for this, the favor will be returned. If you could just check your ego at the door, this can give you everything. I feel like Andrade is the best version he’s ever been right now, minus being with Don Callis. It’s incredible, man.
After ending his first AEW run in December 2023, Andrade returned to WWE in January 2024. He didn't achieve much during his second run with the TKO-owned promotion, however. Winning the Speed Championship was his only accomplishment during this time before being released from WWE amid allegations of wellness policy violation in September 2025.
