Why?
For reasons many don’t understand, WWE changed the name of Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas tonight (Jan. 15) on SmackDown. It began when WWE threw up a graphic to preview a match between Almas and Rey Mysterio later in the night.
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The SmackDown announce team would emphasize calling the 29-year-old Andrade rather than Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas all night.
WWE’s social media took note and his new, shortened name was on full display during his entrance.
Will 2019 become the YEAR of ANDRADE? @AndradeCienWWE battles @ReyMysterio TONIGHT on #SDLive! @Zelina_VegaWWE pic.twitter.com/MMboHCSnuz
— WWE (@WWE) January 16, 2019
.@AndradeCienWWE and @Zelina_VegaWWE invite you to the Year of TRANQUILO ✊ pic.twitter.com/auACjqWqQJ
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) January 16, 2019
Goodbye ‘Cien’ Almas, the main roster hardly knew thee.
The rebranded Andrade would go on to have a great match with Rey Mysterio later in the episode. Andrade and Rey tore the house down again and got a much deserved “this is awesome” from the live crowd in Birmingham, Alabama.
Will you miss Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas? Or do you prefer WWE’s movement to shorten wrestler’s names?
Get complete SmackDown results and coverage here.