Tony Khan Addresses Andrade’s AEW Status Amid WWE Non-Compete Issues

The situation with Andrade El Idolo’s AEW run is getting more complicated by the week, and now Tony Khan has finally spoken on what’s really going on. While fans are eager to see Andrade back in the mix, legal red tape tied to WWE may keep him sidelined longer than expected.

During the AEW WrestleDream media call, Jon Alba asked Khan directly about Andrade’s status with the company. Khan praised Andrade’s work in AEW during 2023 but didn’t give any specifics when pressed about whether Andrade was under contract or restricted by a WWE non-compete clause.

“I asked Tony Khan about Andrade’s current situation with AEW. He says he had high praise of Andrade when he left AEW in 2023. I followed up and asked directly if he was under contract/they were aware of a WWE non-compete. Said that was all he could say at this time.”

The lack of detail hasn’t stopped speculation. Reports indicate Andrade could be tied up in a one-year non-compete clause stemming from his WWE exit, believed to be triggered by an alleged breach of contract. That restriction would keep him out of action unless successfully overturned in court.

Bryan Alvarez revealed that WWE’s contracts under TKO Group Holdings now include much stricter terms than before. Instead of the traditional 90-day non-compete, the new deals lock wrestlers down for a full year if they’re fired for violating company rules.

“We have it confirmed through multiple sources that the new TKO contracts have a clause where if you are fired, there is a one-year non-compete. The older contracts had this but it’s standard now. This is the hold-up involving Andrade. Very skeptical this would hold up in a legal battle, but it’s in the contracts.”

The Andrade situation is shaping up as a test case for this new TKO-era clause. WWE has a history of non-competes being challenged — even Brock Lesnar fought one back in 2004. Whether Andrade chooses to take legal action or simply wait it out remains to be seen.

For now, Tony Khan and AEW are keeping quiet, but fans are left wondering how long Andrade will remain sidelined and what this could mean for future WWE talent releases under the new contract system.

Do you think Andrade should take WWE to court over the one-year non-compete, or wait it out and return when the clause expires? Share your thoughts in the comments.