Further building its Latino roster, the WWE has signed Mexican luchador Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza, commonly known as “La Sombra” (The Shadow).

The WWE announced Oropeza signed with the company, as well as its developmental program NXT. Before premiering on any of WWE's programming, he will join the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, for further training. The Performance Center also houses several wrestling rings, a gym and promo practice.

At the young age of 17, Oropeza signed with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) in 2007. At CMLL, he won the CMLL Universal Championship, World Tag Team Championship and the World Trios Championship. He also won the organization's "Technico" (Technical) of the Year in 2010.

His wrestling experience is not limited within Mexico. He traveled to Japan for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and later won the company's IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

Oropeza is also third-generation wrestler. His grandfather, father, uncles and cousins have competed in Mexico.

Oropeza's hire comes a few months after the WWE also signed Oscar Vasquez, a dual citizen of Mexico and the U.S. American Levis Valenzuela, Jr., of Dominican descent and fluent in Spanish, was also hired.

In May, Valenzuela, Jr., who became the first Dominican to sign with the company, told the WWE, "To be the first, or the first in a while, it's a step forward for the entire country, a very proud people. We support each other 110 percent. I know I'm not doing this fight alone. I know I've got my people behind me and that makes me and my family very proud. I've had a lot of positive outreach from the community, congratulating me on being here. Actually getting a chance to represent the country is incredible. It's really amazing."

Meanwhile, the Latinos on the main WWE roster includes United States Champion Alberto Del Rio, Diego and Fernando, Eva Marie, Kalisto, Sin Cara, the Bella Twins and ring announcer Lilian Garcia.

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