New details have emerged regarding the ongoing and complicated situation surrounding Andrade El Idolo’s status with AlEW. Following reports that WWE sent a legal letter to AEW concerning a non-compete clause, fans noticed that Andrade’s surprise return on October 1 was not being acknowledged on television.
Announcers Instructed to Remain Silent
According to a new report from Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the on-air silence regarding Andrade has been intentional. Following his sudden disappearance from television, the AEW commentary team was reportedly told not to bring him up.
Meltzer wrote, “We were told the announcers were instructed not to mention his name or bring up the angle”. This instruction explains why there has been no follow-up or even a mention of his return and the angle he started with Kenny Omega.
The Non-Compete Complication
The situation stems from Andrade’s release from WWE. It was initially believed by many, including Andrade himself, that he was free to sign and perform elsewhere immediately. This led to his AEW return on October 1 and a subsequent match in Mexico. However, WWE later informed Andrade that he was still subject to a non-compete period, which other reports have suggested could be as long as one year due to a new clause in TKO contracts for talent fired for cause.
Wider Impact on Bookings
AEW is not the only promotion affected by the enforcement of this non-compete clause. Andrade has been pulled from a scheduled match against LA Park for Mucha Lucha Atlanta, which was set for October 25. As of the time of the report, however, an appearance for the WWC promotion in Puerto Rico was still being advertised, adding another layer of uncertainty to his exact status.
Andrade’s return on October 1 saw him align with the Don Callis Family. Andrade has yet to comment on any of these reports.
