Potential legal issues have reportedly arisen concerning Andrade’s status with AEW following his recent return to the company.
Andrade made a surprising appearance on the October 1 episode of AEW Dynamite, attacking Kenny Omega and aligning himself with The Don Callis Family. The return came just weeks after his release from WWE, but he has not been featured on AEW programming since that night, nor has he been officially added to the roster page on the company’s website, sparking questions about his standing.
According to a new report from Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the belief is that WWE is enforcing a non-compete clause, preventing Andrade from appearing on AEW television. This comes as a surprise, as the initial understanding was that Andrade did not have such a clause attached to his departure.
Andrade’s AEW Status
It was widely believed that because Andrade’s release stemmed from disciplinary issues, WWE had waived the non-compete clause, making him an immediate free agent. However, it now appears there is more to the situation, with WWE reportedly taking action after his Dynamite appearance. Meltzer provided details on the developing issue.
“What I’ve been hearing was WWE sent a letter. AEW obviously believed that there was no non-compete,” Meltzer said. “There were people who talked to people in WWE who also believed there was no non-compete. But WWE apparently….They said that he can’t do (AEW) for 90 days.”
This communication from WWE would explain Andrade’s abrupt disappearance from AEW programming following his impactful return. While AEW seemingly operated under the belief that he was free to sign and perform, WWE’s intervention has now put his involvement in storylines on hold.
Typically, when a main roster talent is released by WWE, they are subject to a 90-day non-compete period during which they continue to be paid but cannot work for another major promotion. NXT contracts usually have a 30-day clause.
This places both the performer and the promotion in a waiting pattern until the non-compete period, if enforced, officially concludes.
