AEW Creative Took a Hit After WWE Blocked Andrade’s Return

Andrade El Idolo made a major impact when he returned to AEW earlier this month and aligned with the Don Callis Family. But just as fast as he showed up, he vanished from television—and now we know why. WWE reportedly enforced a 90-day non-compete clause after Andrade’s AEW appearance, catching many off guard and throwing a wrench into AEW’s plans.

According to Fightful Select, the surprise clause forced AEW to make immediate creative changes to shows like AEW Dynamite and WrestleDream. While there’s no backstage heat on Andrade, sources admit the situation directly impacted short-term booking.

“AEW sources say this absence did affect immediate creative plans for AEW Dynamite and WrestleDream… however, there appears to be no bad blood towards Andrade, and the working plan is still for him to compete in AEW when the situation is cleared up.”

Despite the disruption, AEW isn’t panicking. Internally, the feeling is that Andrade will be back once the legal dust settles. The company is holding onto its long-term plans for him, but short-term momentum has definitely cooled following the unexpected block.

Backstage, Andrade is said to be keeping things low-key and optimistic. AEW has no plans to scrap his storyline with the Don Callis Family, and when the legal wall finally lifts, he could return in a major way.

But with AEW forced to pivot on short notice, fans are now wondering if the company should go all in on his comeback—or build it up slowly for maximum impact.

Should AEW give Andrade a major return storyline once the WWE hold is lifted, or was the timing already lost? Sound off in the comments.