WWE Shut Down Andrade’s AEW Return Over Non-Compete Clause They Claimed Still Applied

WWE has reportedly stepped in to block Andrade El Idolo’s return to AEW, even after initially giving the impression that he was free to wrestle.

According to PWInsider, WWE clarified after his AEW appearance that he was still under a 90-day non-compete clause—even though he’s not being paid during that time.

The situation became a legal gray area, and WWE made sure to shut it down fast. Internally, WWE first believed Andrade had been released outright, meaning he wouldn’t be paid his 90 days and was free to perform elsewhere. But once he returned to AEW TV earlier this month, the company “clarified” to Andrade that he was still subject to the no-compete period.

One WWE source explained the logic, saying the company didn’t want a system where “someone could leave due to violating policies and then end up elsewhere the next day.” It was described as a loophole WWE wasn’t willing to let slide.

Andrade shocked AEW fans when he aligned himself with the Don Callis Family and blindsided Kenny Omega, looking like a major new player in the company’s top storyline. But that return was cut short almost immediately, with no explanation from AEW or Andrade.

Dave Meltzer revealed on the October 16 episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that AEW believed Andrade was good to go. WWE even had people internally who also thought he had no restrictions. That changed quickly once lawyers got involved.

“What I’ve been hearing was WWE sent a letter. AEW obviously believed that there was no non-compete. There were people who talked to people in WWE who also believed there was no non-compete. But WWE apparently… that’s the story. They said that he can’t do (AEW) for 90 days.”

Prior to Meltzer’s report, Fightful Select noted that Andrade had been pulled from AEW events, but no one close to the situation offered a reason. He was reportedly in good spirits, and no blame was placed on him or AEW.

“We spoke to sources that spoke to Andrade in the last week, who said he seemed in good spirits, but didn’t indicate why he’d pulled from recent shows and hadn’t been on AEW TV since reappearing.”

“The little bit of response we got was that Andrade is in fact signed, but that the absence was something that at least one person didn’t see as AEW or Andrade’s specific fault.”

Now, it seems WWE’s legal move has temporarily iced Andrade’s AEW momentum. He may not be back until the end of that 90-day window—even though he’s not collecting a check for it.

Is WWE just flexing control over its former talent, or was AEW too quick to bring Andrade back? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.