WWE has officially signed CMLL star La Sombra, who has also toured for New Japan. La Sombra, real name Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza has signed a NXT deal and has already reported to Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center. There is no word whether he will maintain the La Sombra persona under the WWE umbrella.
A press release issued by WWE today noted, "With seven training rings, a world-class strength and conditioning program and cutting-edge edit and production facilities, the Performance Center will allow Oropeza to hone his skills through a comprehensive program that includes in-ring training, physical preparedness and character development. The state-of-the-art, 26,000 square-foot facility offers a full training experience with real time feedback from WWE coaches, trainers and doctors, giving performers the resources they need to develop their talent both athletically and creatively. Additionally, Oropeza will be immersed in WWE’s Professional Development program that focuses on four key pillars of development – Life Skills, Education, Wellness and Career Success."
Oropeza comes from a big wrestling family as he's a third generation talent (his father was El Brilliante, his grandfather was El Moro) and has been wrestling since the age of 17, when he started with CMLL in 2007 and held just about every title possible in the promotion. He had been publicly denying he was signing with WWE in Mexico for some time, as recently as last week.
Sombra is a former IWGP Intercontinental champion as well.
