Andrade El Idolo’s sudden disappearance from AEW programming in recent weeks has been due to issues in relation to his last WWE deal, per numerous reports.
Andrade has been absent from AEW TV since October 1, when he made his sudden return to the promotion after a multi-year WWE run. The appearance on Dynamite, attacking Kenny Omega and aligning himself with the Don Callis Family, emerged just weeks after his WWE departure was confirmed.
Numerous outlets (F4WOnline, Fightful, & PWInsider) have reported that a non-compete clause associated with the end of Andrade’s WWE run is what has kept him off TV as of late.
A Fightful Select post noted that many on both the AEW and WWE side thought Andrade “was gone from the company with no additional time left,” hence why it came as a surprise to many that a non-compete became an issue after his re-emergence earlier this month.
Many non-competes have lasted 90 days; however, some reports suggest that Andrade might be unable to reappear for much longer than that.
Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline was told by multiple sources this week that Andrade is dealing with a “one-year non-compete” due to being fired for cause. PWInsider wrote that they had heard something similar.
Fightful obtained the specific language in the clause that likely caused the decision.
(b) Upon termination of this Agreement by PROMOTER for breach of the terms hereof, WRESTLER shall not work, appear, or perform in any capacity for any professional wrestling, sports entertainment, mixed martial arts and/or ultimate fighting organization, promotion or entity not owned or controlled by PROMOTER (or any affiliated or subsidiary company thereof) in the United States for a period of up to one (1) year from the date of such expiration or termination
AEW President Tony Khan didn’t have a comment regarding the reports when asked during a media call on Thursday. Khan said that he was “saying as much as I can say” regarding the non-compete, and reiterated his respect for Andrade.
