Andrade Lawyered Up as WWE Non-Compete Drama Could Turn Legal

Andrade El Idolo may be off AEW TV right now, but if WWE tries to hold him down too long, he’s got the legal firepower to fight back.

Fightful Select reports that Andrade has a “very good lawyer” on standby, though there’s no confirmation yet whether he plans to formally challenge WWE’s surprise enforcement of a 90-day clause after his firing.

“A number of people have indicated to Fightful Select that Andrade has a ‘very good lawyer,’ but didn’t specify if he was fighting it.”

The complication? WWE originally believed Andrade was gone for good with no time left on his deal. Even sources were surprised when the company reversed course after his AEW appearance and claimed he was still under a no-compete. WWE’s explanation? They don’t want wrestlers violating wellness policy and then showing up somewhere else the next day.

Here’s where it gets messy: PWInsider claims Andrade won’t be paid during this 90-day period, which is extremely rare—especially during a wellness policy situation. Fightful says that’s legally shaky and “very easy to fight in court,” but the irony is that any legal challenge would likely drag out longer than the 90 days itself.

“The 90-day period is often referred to as a ‘non-compete,’ but is actually more of a notice of contract expiration as talent gets paid. PWInsider reported that Andrade would not be getting paid during that 90 days, but we’ve not confirmed that, and would be very easy to fight in court.”

Historically, WWE’s non-competes haven’t always held up—just ask Brock Lesnar, who challenged a long-term clause after his 2004 exit. Lesnar even renamed his F5 to “The Verdict” during that legal battle.

At this point, Andrade is laying low, but if WWE pushes, don’t be surprised if his legal team pushes back.