Rey Fenix’s WWE Journey Begins: Inside Track On His First SmackDown Rivalry
WWE fans are hours away from witnessing one of professional wrestling’s most spectacular high-flyers make his highly anticipated in-ring debut on SmackDown. Rey Fenix, the former AEW star known for his innovative aerial techniques and technical mastery, will finally step into a WWE ring on April 4, 2025, after weeks of cryptic vignettes teasing his arrival. While his opponent remains officially unannounced, backstage reports and a scrapped segment from a recent SmackDown taping strongly suggest that former AEW colleague Andrade is positioned to be Fenix’s inaugural WWE rival. This potential matchup between two world-class luchadores has already generated significant buzz among wrestling fans eager to see how WWE positions this major acquisition in the post-WrestleMania season.
The Road to WWE for Rey Fenix
Before joining WWE, Rey Fenix established himself as one of the most talented and innovative performers in professional wrestling through his work across multiple promotions. His journey through the wrestling world showcases a career built on exceptional in-ring ability and a willingness to take breathtaking risks that few others would attempt.
Fenix began his professional career in Mexico, where he developed the lucha libre foundations that would become his trademark style. In 2011, he made his debut with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, where he was given the “Fenix” name and character, inspired by the mythological bird that rises from the ashes5. This symbolism proved appropriate as Fenix would continually reinvent himself and rise to new heights throughout his career.
His breakthrough in American wrestling came through Lucha Underground, where he debuted in November 2014. During his time with the promotion, Fenix achieved significant success, becoming the first wrestler to defeat Mil Muertes in a singles match and later capturing both the Lucha Underground Championship and the Gift of the Gods Championship5. His innovative style and willingness to take risks quickly made him a fan favorite and established him as one of the most exciting performers in the industry.
Following his Lucha Underground run, Fenix expanded his presence in American wrestling through appearances with Impact Wrestling and Major League Wrestling (MLW). In Impact, he competed for the X Division Championship and later captured the Impact World Tag Team Championship alongside his brother Penta5. In MLW, the brothers became the inaugural MLW World Tag Team Champions in the promotion’s relaunch era, further cementing their reputation as one of wrestling’s premier tag teams5.
Most recently, Fenix was a cornerstone of AEW’s tag team division and occasionally ventured into singles competition, capturing both the AEW World Tag Team Championships and the AEW International Championship. His departure from the company created the opportunity for WWE to sign one of wrestling’s most dynamic performers.
WWE’s Announcement and Fan Anticipation
After months of speculation about Fenix’s wrestling future, WWE has finally confirmed his debut for the April 4th episode of SmackDown. The company has been building anticipation through a series of vignettes on SmackDown, with the most recent explicitly revealing a masked luchador in the ring4.
The announcement represents a significant talent acquisition for WWE under Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque’s leadership. Since taking creative control, Levesque has demonstrated a commitment to bringing in established stars capable of delivering exceptional in-ring performances, and Fenix certainly fits that profile.
For WWE fans unfamiliar with Fenix’s work, these debut vignettes provide a glimpse of what to expect – a high-flying, technically sound performer who brings a distinctive lucha libre style to the company. For those already familiar with his career, the anticipation centers on how WWE will position him and who will be selected as his first opponent.
The timing of Fenix’s debut is strategic, coming shortly after WrestleMania 41, as WWE begins establishing new storylines and rivalries for the next program cycle. This gives Fenix a clean slate and the opportunity to make an immediate impact on Friday nights without being lost in the shuffle of WrestleMania-focused programming.
Evidence Pointing to Andrade as Fenix’s First Rival
While WWE has not officially announced Rey Fenix’s opponent for his debut, multiple backstage reports provide compelling evidence that Andrade is the planned first rival for the lucha libre sensation. The most significant indication comes from a segment that was scripted but ultimately cut from the March 21, 2025, episode of SmackDown, which was taped in Italy.
According to reports from WrestleVotes on SportsKeeda’s Backstage Pass Q&A: “Written in the show before the Liv Morgan vs. Jade Cargill match, there was to be a backstage segment with Nick Aldis telling Andrade that there are new talent coming to SmackDown, and he would want him to work with them first. That segment got cut. It was not supposed to be on last week’s show, so I don’t know where it stands. However, that would indicate to me that at least they had plans, at the minimum, for Andrade vs. Rey Fenix.”
This planned segment would have explicitly established Andrade as Fenix’s first opponent, with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis directly positioning Andrade to work with the new talent. The fact that WWE had scripted this interaction demonstrates that the company had, at minimum, considered pairing these two performers for Fenix’s debut.
While the segment’s cancellation creates some uncertainty about current plans, the logical connection between Andrade and Fenix remains compelling. Both are former AEW stars with strong lucha libre backgrounds, making them natural opponents who could immediately deliver a standout match that showcases Fenix’s abilities to the WWE audience.
The decision to cut the segment could indicate several possibilities: plans may have changed entirely, WWE might prefer to keep Fenix’s first opponent a surprise until the night of his debut, or they may be saving the Andrade revelation for a more impactful moment on this week’s SmackDown.
Why Andrade Makes Perfect Sense as Fenix’s First Opponent
The potential pairing of Rey Fenix and Andrade for Fenix’s WWE debut match represents an ideal scenario from multiple perspectives. First and foremost, both performers share a lucha libre background that would allow them to create an impressive stylistic showcase. Their similar training and experience would enable them to communicate effectively in the ring and deliver a match that highlights Fenix’s strengths while maintaining a coherent narrative.
The two have crossed paths before during their time in AEW, with a well-received match between them in 2022 demonstrating their in-ring compatibility3. This existing chemistry would be valuable for Fenix’s first WWE outing, allowing him to work with someone familiar while adjusting to WWE’s production style and audience expectations.
From a storyline perspective, positioning Andrade as Fenix’s first opponent also creates interesting possibilities. Andrade’s own WWE career has stagnated somewhat since his return to the company in early 2024, and this rivalry could potentially lead to a character evolution for him. As noted in one analysis: “Another loss for Andrade could send him down the path to a much-needed heel turn as well, which could even lead to a long-term feud between him and Rey Fenix.”
Furthermore, both men are at points in their careers where they need meaningful storylines to establish or reestablish their positions within WWE. A competitive rivalry that showcases their exceptional in-ring abilities would benefit both performers while giving WWE fans matches of the caliber they’ve come to expect from SmackDown’s top talent.
The similarity in their backgrounds creates natural storytelling opportunities, whether as respectful competitors pushing each other to excel or as rivals competing to establish who is the superior luchador on WWE’s premier brand. Either approach would give both performers compelling character motivation while delivering exciting in-ring action.
Andrade’s WWE Journey: The Perfect Foil for Fenix
Andrade’s career trajectory in WWE makes him an intriguing potential first rival for Rey Fenix. After departing WWE in 2021 following a run that included an NXT Championship reign and United States Championship victory, Andrade spent time in AEW before making his return to WWE in early 2024. His comeback initially generated significant excitement, but his momentum has slowed in recent months.
Currently positioned as a talented mid-card competitor on SmackDown, Andrade possesses the in-ring credentials and character foundation to be elevated through a high-profile rivalry. His technical proficiency and lucha libre background make him an ideal opponent to showcase Rey Fenix’s abilities while maintaining the competitive integrity necessary for a compelling program.
A feud with Fenix could potentially reinvigorate Andrade’s character, possibly leading to a heel turn that would create more dramatic possibilities for both performers. The contrast between Andrade’s technical precision and Fenix’s high-risk innovation would make for compelling in-ring storytelling that elevates both men.
As WrestleVotes reported, the planned segment with Nick Aldis suggesting Andrade as Fenix’s first opponent indicated WWE’s creative team saw value in this pairing, recognizing the potential for exceptional matches and meaningful character development for both performers.
Alternative First Opponents for Rey Fenix
While Andrade appears to be the leading candidate for Rey Fenix’s first WWE opponent, several other SmackDown roster members have been mentioned as potential alternatives. Each would bring different strengths to a program with Fenix and offer distinct storyline possibilities.
Carmelo Hayes
Former NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes has been establishing himself on the SmackDown roster since his main roster call-up. Known for his athletic in-ring style and confident persona, Hayes could provide an interesting stylistic matchup for Fenix. As noted in one analysis: “Pairing him with Rey Fenix is sure to give him one of his best matches to date, which would be a great benefit to both men.”
Hayes has demonstrated a willingness to put over established talent since joining SmackDown, having worked programs with Andrade and Jimmy Uso in recent months. This track record suggests he could effectively contribute to Fenix’s debut while maintaining his own character momentum.
Santos Escobar
The leader of Legado Del Fantasma, Santos Escobar, represents another logical potential opponent for Rey Fenix. Like Andrade, Escobar shares a lucha libre background that would create natural in-ring chemistry with Fenix. Additionally, Escobar’s established heel character provides clear storyline direction for a program with a debuting babyface like Fenix.
Escobar’s character has been somewhat stagnant in recent months, despite regular appearances challenging for the United States Championship. A program with Fenix could reestablish his in-ring credentials while giving him a fresh rivalry to sink his teeth into. As one report suggests: “Rey Fenix would undoubtedly help Santos Escobar get back to his best from an in-ring standpoint, which may make a long-term feud more feasible between the two as well.”
Shinsuke Nakamura
Veteran performer Shinsuke Nakamura represents a different type of potential first opponent for Rey Fenix. With his strong-style background contrasting with Fenix’s lucha libre training, a match between the two would offer an intriguing clash of styles that could produce a memorable debut bout.
Nakamura’s current position in WWE places him as an established name who can effectively put over rising stars. A victory over someone with Nakamura’s credentials would immediately establish Fenix as a serious competitor on the SmackDown roster. As one analyst noted: “It would register as a big debut win for Fenix, and would probably give Nakamura one of his best matches of the past few years at the same time.”
Grayson Waller
Another name mentioned in connection with Rey Fenix’s debut is Grayson Waller. According to veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter: “I do not know at this point, but I think it would be possibly Grayson Waller. Yeah, just a feeling of something I’ve heard from somebody who said something to somebody…third hand news.”
While Apter’s information is admittedly several steps removed from a direct source, Waller’s character as an arrogant heel with a social media focus could create an interesting contrast with Fenix’s more traditional wrestling background. Waller’s willingness to take bumps and generate heat would make him a suitable opponent for showcasing Fenix in a positive light.
What to Expect from Rey Fenix in WWE
Rey Fenix’s debut on SmackDown represents one of the most significant roster additions for WWE in 2025. As one of the most technically gifted and innovative high-flyers in professional wrestling, Fenix brings a unique skill set that few on the current roster can match. His ability to execute complex aerial maneuvers while maintaining logical match structure has made him a standout performer wherever he has competed.
In WWE, Fenix is likely to be positioned initially as a singles competitor, separate from his brother Penta, who joined the company earlier. This approach allows each performer to establish their individual identities with the WWE audience before potentially reuniting as a tag team. As noted by WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff: “As everyone is waiting for the pair to reunite, fans should have to wait a little longer to build more anticipation.”
Fenix’s in-ring style will likely maintain many of the elements that made him successful in other promotions, while adapting to WWE’s production approach and performance standards. His ability to connect with audiences through his high-risk maneuvers and underdog persona should translate well to the WWE environment, particularly if he’s given opportunities against established heels who can generate sympathy for him.
The primary question surrounding Fenix’s WWE run will be how the company balances his high-risk style with long-term health considerations. WWE has traditionally been more protective of its performers than some other promotions, which may require Fenix to modify certain aspects of his approach while retaining the essence of what makes him special.
The Significance of Fenix’s Arrival in WWE
Rey Fenix’s signing and debut represent more than just the addition of another talented performer to the roster. His arrival signals WWE’s continued commitment to incorporating diverse wrestling styles and strengthening the in-ring product under Triple H’s creative direction.
The inclusion of more lucha libre elements through performers like Fenix diversifies WWE’s in-ring presentation and appeals to fans of technical and high-flying wrestling. This stylistic variety creates more opportunities for unique matchups and fresh rivalries that can sustain fan interest over the long term.
Fenix’s signing also continues WWE’s strategy of acquiring established talent from competing organizations, particularly AEW. This approach allows WWE to capitalize on performers with built-in name recognition while offering them the platform and resources of wrestling’s largest global company.
For the SmackDown brand specifically, adding Rey Fenix provides another legitimate contender for mid-card championships and potentially main event positions as he establishes himself within the company hierarchy. His unique abilities create matchup possibilities with performers across the roster, from technical specialists to power-based competitors.
Long-term Prospects and Potential Storylines
While immediate focus is on Rey Fenix’s debut and first rivalry, his long-term prospects in WWE offer numerous intriguing possibilities. Perhaps most obvious is the potential eventual reunion with his brother Penta, reforming one of wrestling’s most accomplished tag teams. This storyline, when WWE chooses to pursue it, would provide a significant boost to the tag team division and create opportunities for memorable matches against established WWE teams.
Before that reunion occurs, however, Fenix has the opportunity to establish himself as a singles competitor through rivalries with various SmackDown roster members. Beyond the initial program with his first opponent, natural matchups exist with performers like LA Knight, Kevin Owens, Randy Orton, and potentially even Roman Reigns as Fenix establishes his position within the company.
Championship opportunities will likely follow if Fenix connects with the WWE audience as expected. The United States Championship represents an achievable short-term goal that would establish his credibility, while long-term prospects could include Intercontinental Championship or even World Championship consideration depending on his trajectory and audience reception.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins
As Rey Fenix prepares to make his WWE in-ring debut on SmackDown, all evidence points to Andrade serving as his inaugural opponent and rival. This pairing creates the potential for an outstanding in-ring showcase that introduces WWE audiences to Fenix’s exceptional abilities while providing Andrade with a fresh, compelling program that could reinvigorate his character.
The cancellation of the planned Nick Aldis-Andrade segment creates some uncertainty around WWE’s current plans, but the logical connection between these two performers remains strong. Their shared lucha libre background, previous experience working together, and current roster positions make them ideal opponents to deliver a memorable program that benefits both men.
Whatever direction WWE chooses for Rey Fenix’s debut and first rivalry, his addition to the SmackDown roster represents a significant acquisition that enhances the brand’s in-ring product and creates exciting new matchup possibilities. As one of the most innovative and athletic performers in professional wrestling, Fenix has the potential to become one of WWE’s most valuable talents if properly positioned and protected.
For WWE fans, April 4th’s episode of SmackDown offers the first opportunity to see Rey Fenix bring his unique skills to a WWE ring. Whether facing Andrade or another opponent, his debut marks the beginning of what could be a remarkable WWE journey for one of wrestling’s most gifted aerial artists.
