Andrade’s absence from AEW programming has taken a surprising turn, with new reports suggesting the former WWE star could be out of action much longer than originally believed — potentially up to a full year.
After weeks of speculation, both F4WOnline and PWInsider confirmed earlier today that Andrade’s hiatus stems from a non-compete clause in his previous WWE contract. The clause was reportedly enforced after WWE released him last month, despite the belief that he was free to sign elsewhere. Initially, many assumed the standard 90-day non-compete period would apply — but things are sounding a lot more complicated than that.
According to PWInsider Elite, sources in the “lucha circles” claim Andrade’s non-compete could extend for a full year due to what’s being described as a “breach of contract” at the time of his WWE departure. It’s not clear whether the alleged breach involved Andrade’s signing with AEW or another issue that contributed to his release, but legal action could be on the table if Andrade decides to challenge it.
From Andrade’s perspective, the situation seems just as confusing. Fightful Select reports that Andrade genuinely believed he was in the clear once WWE let him go, as no one informed him of any non-compete. He even began taking bookings and later finalized his AEW deal with Tony Khan during that period — leading to his high-profile return where he attacked Kenny Omega on Dynamite.
Despite the mess, there’s reportedly no hard feelings between Andrade and AEW. Those close to the situation say AEW was caught off guard just like everyone else — even some within WWE were surprised to learn the clause was still active. The belief is that WWE could, under “normal circumstances,” request Andrade to fulfill WWE dates due to the non-compete, though that option may be complicated by previous wellness policy violations.
For now, Andrade is said to be in good spirits while AEW waits to see how things play out. The company had planned for him to continue his program with Omega, but plans were reshuffled following both Andrade’s situation and Kota Ibushi’s injury. AEW reportedly intends to bring Andrade back as soon as the legal dust settles.
Interestingly, the clause keeping Andrade on the sidelines might not be unique to him. Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline reported that WWE’s current contracts — under the TKO era — include a standard one-year non-compete for any wrestler terminated “for breach of contract.” The exact legal definition of such a breach remains unclear, but it’s now standard language in all new WWE deals.
Alvarez expressed doubt that such a lengthy restriction would hold up in court, referencing Brock Lesnar’s 2004 battle with WWE, when Lesnar successfully overturned a similar non-compete clause. Fightful Select even published the full wording of the clause, confirming that WWE retains the right to bar a talent from working anywhere else in the U.S. for up to one year following a termination for breach.
With Andrade’s legal team reportedly “very good,” it’s possible this story is far from over. Whether this new WWE contract language can stand up to legal scrutiny remains to be seen — but one thing’s certain: Andrade’s next in-ring appearance may not be happening anytime soon.
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