Andrade’s AEW Hiatus Could Last Longer Than Expected Due to WWE Contract Clause

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.

TNA Impact After The Glory Special 10/16/2025

On a special After the Glory edition of TNA iMPACT!, go beyond the ring with exclusive access to the biggest event of the year, Bound For Glory. Don’t miss never-before-seen interviews, backstage footage and more. Plus, the champions will be in studio to take you inside their epic clashes. 

Tune in this Thursday at 8/7c on TNA+ around the world, AXS TV in the US, and Sportsnet+ in Canada.

  • Highlights From the matches that took place at TNA Bound For Glory on Sunday
  • Interviews with the champions coming out of the PPV

Backstage News On Andrade’s Sudden AEW Absence And WWE Non-Compete Confusion

Andrade’s AEW return started with a bang — and then silence. After a shocking attack on Kenny Omega, the star has vanished from AEW programming and canceled multiple appearances. Now, new backstage reports suggest WWE might be behind his sudden disappearance.

Andrade’s second run with AEW has hit a roadblock just weeks after his big return. The former WWE standout shocked fans when he attacked Kenny Omega on AEW television, seemingly setting the stage for a major storyline. But since that night, Andrade has been nowhere to be found — not on TV, not in the ring, and not even on his scheduled independent shows.

According to Wrestling Observer Radio, the reason may be tied to an unexpected issue with WWE. Bryan Alvarez reported that Andrade’s absence has nothing to do with injury or discipline, but rather a non-compete clause stemming from his recent WWE release.

“I was told he is not hurt, he didn’t get himself fired,” Alvarez said. “But apparently something is up involving his WWE non-compete… AEW might’ve thought they could get this worked out in time to get the Omega match on, but it didn’t happen.”

Dave Meltzer added that AEW and even some within WWE believed Andrade had no non-compete period. However, WWE reportedly later informed AEW that Andrade is still restricted from appearing on wrestling television for 90 days — a development that seemingly blindsided everyone involved.

“AEW obviously believed there was no non-compete,” Meltzer noted. “Even some people in WWE thought there wasn’t one. But apparently, WWE said he can’t do anything for 90 days.”

WWE Clarified Andrade’s Status After He Took Indie Bookings

PWInsider Elite later reported that both Andrade and WWE initially operated under the impression that his release allowed him to compete immediately since he wasn’t receiving the standard 90-day pay. However, once Andrade began accepting independent dates, WWE clarified that he was still bound by a non-compete restriction.

Whether this was a change in direction or just a case of miscommunication isn’t clear. One WWE insider told PWInsider the company wants to avoid creating a loophole where talent could leave under controversial circumstances and immediately jump to another promotion.

Impact On Andrade’s AEW and Independent Plans

If the 90-day non-compete is enforced, Andrade will be sidelined until early next year, delaying his AEW storyline indefinitely. He’s also expected to miss several upcoming shows, including an event in Puerto Rico this weekend and an appearance for The Crash in Tijuana — where he currently reigns as Heavyweight Champion.

That leaves the future of The Crash title uncertain, especially since Andrade only captured the belt from DMT Azul shortly after reappearing in AEW.

For now, fans can only wait to see when Andrade will finally be cleared to return to the ring. His comeback may have started strong, but this legal roadblock has left one of AEW’s most intriguing returns stuck in neutral.

AEW Dynamite & Collision Preview 10/15/2025

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite/Collision live 3-hour special airs live tonight on TBS and HBO Max from the Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, Missouri.

Tonight’s special, which is the go-home show for Saturday’s WrestleDream, which begins at 8:00 pm ET.

  • Kenny Omega & Jurassic Express vs. Mark Davis, Hechicero & Josh Alexander
  • Famous Last Words Before WrestleDream – AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander and “Timeless” Toni Storm 
  • Darby Allin and Jon Moxley – Special Face-To-Face
  • Orange Cassidy & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Death Riders (Wheeler Yuta & Daniel Garcia)
  • -AEW World Trios Championship: The Opps (c) vs. LFI
  • Claudio Castagnoli vs. Roderick Strong
  • Skye Blue vs. Jamie Hayter
  • The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin vs Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)
  • Harley Cameron vs. Megan Bayne

WWE NXT Preview 10/14/2025

WWE NXT live tonight on The CW at 8:00 ET/7:00 CT.

  • WWE NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: Lei Ying Lee, Mara Sadé, Xia Brookside, Heather by Elegance, Jordynne Grace, Victoria Crawford, Kelani Jordan. Jaida Parker, Izzi Dame, Tatum Paxley, Lash Legend, Cassie Lee, Jessie McKay, Kendal Grey, Lola Vice, Karmen Petrovic, Sol Ruca, Thea Hail, Arianna Grace, and Wren Sinclair
  • Blake Monroe vs. ZARIA
  • Matt Cardona vs. Josh Briggs
  • El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. Lexis King

Report: WWE’s Partnership With Def Rebel Nearing Its End — Major Music Changes Ahead

WWE could soon be remixing more than just its storylines. According to a new report from BodySlam.net, the company’s longtime music partner Def Rebel is nearing the end of its contract — and the change could usher in a brand-new era for WWE’s signature sound.

Def Rebel has been the creative force behind some of the most recognizable entrance themes of the past few years, crafting tracks for top stars such as Rhea Ripley, Asuka, LA Knight, Dominik Mysterio, Austin Theory, and Killer Kross (formerly Karrion Kross). Their production style has defined WWE’s current musical identity, blending cinematic beats with aggressive hip-hop and metal influences.

However, as the contract winds down, reports suggest that several Superstars have voiced interest in seeing a shift in how their music is developed and managed. That feedback, coupled with the expiring deal, could open the door for WWE to explore new creative partners or even revive collaborations with outside artists — something the company has done successfully in past eras.

If Def Rebel and WWE part ways, it would mark the end of a significant chapter in the company’s musical evolution. WWE themes have always been a major part of its presentation — from Jim Johnston’s legendary compositions to CFO$’s modern hits — and a new transition could dramatically reshape the sound of WWE programming heading into 2026.

For now, no official announcement has been made about Def Rebel’s status, but with their deal reportedly nearing completion, fans might start hearing new music — literally — in the not-so-distant future.

Samoan Dynasty’s Lance Anoa’i, Wes Lee, and Several NXT, Evolve & ID Talents Released from WWE

It’s been a tough week behind the scenes at WWE, as multiple names from the company’s developmental system—and even a member of wrestling’s legendary Samoan Dynasty—were let go.

Lance Anoa’i, son of former WWE star Samu and cousin to Roman Reigns, confirmed Friday that his time with WWE had come to an end. Anoa’i shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), noting that his run never really got started due to injuries and “bad luck” since signing. Despite not making an on-screen appearance, his family lineage and in-ring pedigree had drawn plenty of attention when he joined the company.

However, Anoa’i’s departure turned out to be part of a larger round of roster cuts. Reports from BodySlam’s Cory Hays and Fightful Select revealed that several names from the NXT and Performance Center ranks were also released. Among them was two-time NXT North American Champion Wes Lee, who had recently been sidelined with an injury. Other names included Stevie Turner, Jin Tala, Drako Knox, Haze Jameson, Summer Sorrell, Brayden “BJ” Ray, and Jamar Hampton.

Turner, who fans may remember from her stint as the “Prime Minister” of WWE Evolve and as Robert Stone’s co-Assistant GM in NXT, took to social media to confirm her exit. “My time with WWE has come to an end,” she wrote. “I’ve had a brilliant time and I’m so excited for the future. See you soon!”

Drako Knox—who had been featured as “Drake Starks” during Season One of WWE LFG—also confirmed his release, stating he was available for bookings in 30 days, as is standard with developmental contracts.

Adding to the list, Zara Zakher announced that her WWE ID deal had expired and that she’d be taking time away from wrestling. With Zakher included, the total number of confirmed departures from Friday’s round reached ten.

For many of these talents, especially those from the NXT and developmental ranks, the releases mark the end of one chapter and the potential start of another. Meanwhile, the loss of Lance Anoa’i quietly closes a brief but intriguing connection between the ever-expanding Samoan Dynasty and WWE’s current generation.

Seth Rollins Injury At WWE Crown Jewel Reportedly Led To Major Creative Shift in WWE’s “Vision” Storyline

The shocking betrayal of Seth Rollins on Monday Night Raw wasn’t part of the long-term plan—at least, not yet. According to new reports from PWInsider and Fightful Select, WWE was forced to make a “heavy creative pivot” following a legitimate injury to the World Heavyweight Champion at Crown Jewel.

Just days after standing tall alongside Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Paul Heyman at the Perth premium live event, Rollins was blindsided by his own allies on Raw. The sudden fracture of The Vision—the faction that had seemed rock-solid heading into Crown Jewel—was reportedly written on the fly to explain Rollins’ upcoming absence from TV.

Sources tell PWInsider that Rollins was spotted with his arm in a sling after his win over Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in Perth. The injury apparently occurred when Rollins went for a high-risk coast-to-coast headbutt. Despite getting hurt mid-match, he powered through to finish the bout and retain his title.

Fightful Select added that the original plan had been for Breakker’s eventual split from Rollins to unfold sometime next year, but the injury forced WWE to move that storyline up. With Rollins now sidelined, Breakker and Reed are reportedly being positioned for a bigger spotlight much sooner than expected.

At this point, there’s no confirmed timetable for Rollins’ return. He’s said to be undergoing medical testing later this week to assess the severity of the shoulder injury.

The timing couldn’t be worse for The Vision’s Architect. Rollins had been locked in a heated rivalry with CM Punk, whom he defeated for the World Heavyweight Championship after a dramatic Money in the Bank cash-in at SummerSlam. In a twist of irony, that title win had been built around fake rumors of a Rollins injury—now, real life seems to have imitated storyline.

WWE fans will now have to wait to see how the company adjusts both the Vision storyline and the Punk feud while their champion recovers.

The Hardys React to Team 3D’s Emotional Retirement at TNA Bound For Glory

It was the end of an era at TNA Bound For Glory, as Team 3D seemingly called time on their legendary in-ring careers — and no one was more surprised than their longtime rivals, The Hardy Boyz.

In a high-stakes Tables Match that saw both the TNA and NXT Tag Team Championships on the line, Matt and Jeff Hardy managed to outlast Bully Ray and D-Von Dudley in a hard-hitting, nostalgia-filled showdown. But what came after the bell rang left fans and the Hardys alike stunned.

Following the match, Team 3D removed their boots and handed them to the Hardys — a symbolic gesture in pro wrestling that traditionally signifies retirement. With that simple act, one of the most decorated tag teams in history appeared to say goodbye to active competition.

Speaking in a post-match interview, Matt Hardy admitted the moment caught him completely off guard:

“They came out looking for a knockout — 3Ds right out the gate. But what shocked me was when the match ended, they took off their boots. They called it a career. We did not expect that. They… they gave us their boots, which was the ultimate sign of respect.”

Jeff Hardy echoed his brother’s emotions, reflecting on what the moment meant to him personally:

“What an honor. That right there gave us confidence and momentum for however long we keep doing this, knowing that that happened tonight.”

For both teams, the moment felt like a full-circle conclusion to a rivalry that helped define tag team wrestling at the turn of the millennium. The Hardys and Team 3D (then the Dudley Boyz) first clashed in a Tables Match at the 2000 Royal Rumble, and along with Edge and Christian, went on to create some of WWE’s most iconic moments in the original TLC matches.

Now, 25 years later, those same teams once again shared the spotlight — this time, to close the book on one of wrestling’s most storied tag team rivalries.

If Bound For Glory truly marked the final bow for Bully Ray and D-Von, it was a fitting farewell for a team that redefined what tag team wrestling could be — and an emotional passing of the torch to two men who helped them make history.

AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita Stuns Zack Sabre Jr. To Capture IWGP World Heavyweight Title at NJPW King of Pro Wrestling – (Results)

New Japan Pro Wrestling crowned a new top champion this morning, as AEW standout Konosuke Takeshita shocked fans in Tokyo by dethroning Zack Sabre Jr. to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

The victory came after a grueling 31-minute battle at King of Pro Wrestling, where over 5,000 fans watched Takeshita outlast one of the most dominant champions in recent NJPW history. Sabre, who had held the title twice since first winning it nearly a year ago, came in with momentum from high-profile victories over Shota Umino, Shingo Takagi, Ricochet, and Nigel McGuinness.

But on this night, Takeshita proved to be the better man. The match told a classic NJPW story of contrasting styles — Sabre methodically targeted Takeshita’s arm, looking to neutralize his power, while Takeshita relied on his explosive strikes and athleticism. In the end, the AEW star broke through, delivering a pair of brutal knee strikes — the final one with the kneepad down — to score the decisive pinfall and claim the gold.

Takeshita’s celebration didn’t last long, though. Hirooki Goto, the man who briefly interrupted Sabre’s championship dominance earlier this year, confronted the new champion immediately after the match and issued a challenge. Takeshita mocked Goto and took shots at New Japan’s younger generation for failing to step up, but he ultimately accepted the challenge. Whether that title match happens soon or is saved for Wrestle Kingdom in January remains to be seen.

The win marks Takeshita’s first reign as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and continues his rapid ascent across multiple promotions. Already under contract with AEW, NJPW, and DDT, Takeshita now joins Jon Moxley as the second AEW wrestler in the past year to hold New Japan’s top championship.

And the momentum might not stop there — Takeshita is scheduled to compete at AEW WrestleDream this weekend, where he’ll team with Kazuchika Okada, his sometimes ally and rival within the Don Callis Family, to challenge Brodido for the AEW World Tag Team Titles.

If Takeshita can pull off another win, the “Alpha of the Callis Family” could soon be holding gold in two major promotions at once — a feat that would firmly cement his status as one of wrestling’s most unstoppable rising stars.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) held the 2025 King of Pro-Wrestling event on October 13 from Ryogoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

You can check out the complete results from the show below:

  • IWGP Women’s Championship: Syuri def. Sareee (c) to win the title.
  • War Dogs (David Finlay, Taiji Ishimori & Clark Connors) def. Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi & Titan.
  • Riot in Ryogoku: Drilla Moloney def. SANADA.
  • YOH, YOSHI-HASHI & Hirooki Goto def. TMDK (Ryohei Oiwa, Hartley Jackson & Kosei Fujita).
  • NJPW World TV Championship: El Phantasmo (c) def. Hiroshi Tanahashi.
  • NEVER Openweight Championship: EVIL def. Boltin Oleg (c) to win the title. House of Torture attacked Boltin after the match. Aaron Wolf made the save.
  • IWGP Tag Team Championships: Knockout Brothers (OSKAR & Yuto-Ice) (c) def. Yuya Uemura & Shota Umino.
  • IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji def. Gabe Kidd (c) to win the title. Unaffiliated and War Dogs shook hands after the match.
  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita def. Zack Sabre Jr (c) to win the title. Hirooki Goto challenged Takeshita after the match.