WWE star Andrade spoke about his family’s long history with lucha-libre and pro-wrestling in a new Youtube video that he shares with former 10-time women’s champion, Charlotte Flair. Hear what El Idolo had to say below.
Talks his childhood:
When I was a child, I remember my dad coming home late. I remember a few times he had a bandage wrapped around his head and you could see the blood coming through. I would watch quietly from the stairs how my mom would take care of my dad and clean his forehead. I am Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza. I was born November 3rd, 1989, in Gomez Palacio Durango, Mexico. A small town in the north of Mexico. Today, I am a third-generation professional wrestler.
How his Uncle became one of his coaches:
Jose Andrade Estrada, Lucha name – El Moro, the first wrestler in my family to open the doors to this business. I don’t have many memories of my grandfather. Because I was three years old when he passed away, but my grandfather left behind 10 children. In which, seven of them became luchadores, continuing his legacy I live on. I learned at a young age that this business requires many sacrifices, my oldest uncle, Jesus Andrade Salas, was left temporarily paralyzed and in a coma from a back drop in a wrestling match in 1986. He was never able to return to the ring. When I was old enough to wrestle, he became one of my coaches.
How he was born to do this:
My six uncles. As well as other men in my life or took part in opening my eyes and training me for this business, my dad was never my coach, but he was always watching. He has always supported me in all my decisions. The biggest one, when I was 17 years old, I went to Mexico City to make a name for myself in this business. I put school and family second to make a name in all of Mexico. I went by Brilliante Jr. in my hometown and I had made a name for myself. When I moved to Mexico City, I was starting all over. I worked my way to the main cabin in the biggest company in Mexico, CMLL. I was now known as La Sombra. Japan was the next home. I never imagined at 19 years old, I would be wrestling in Japan. When I won my first title I realized WWE was my next step. I am a junior. Grandson, son, nephew, Ingobernable, champion, the future. So now we rebuild Andrade. Why? I have no choice. I was born to do this.
Check out Andrade’s full thoughts below. (H/T and transcribed by Inside The Ropes)