A new report from PWInsider.com has provided a significant update on why Andrade El Idolo has been absent from AEW television following his surprise return on the October 1 episode of Dynamite. After aligning with the Don Callis Family, Andrade immediately began a feud with Kenny Omega, but has not been seen on programming since. The new report clarifies that a non-compete clause with WWE is the reason for his absence, despite initial beliefs to the contrary.
WWE’s Stance on the Non-Compete Clause
According to the PWInsider report, there was an initial belief, even within some WWE circles, that Andrade’s situation was different from a standard release. “The initial belief even within WWE circles was that since Andrade was cut outright due to Wellness Policy violations, he was not going to be paid his 90 days and was free and clear to begin performing elsewhere,” the report stated. However, after Andrade appeared in AEW and began working dates in Mexico, WWE reportedly contacted him to clarify the terms of his release.
PWInsider reports that WWE informed Andrade that he was still subject to the standard 90-day non-compete period, even though he would not be paid for it. “We are told that after he began making his appearances in Mexico and the United States, WWE clarified to Andrade that even though he was not going to get the traditional 90 days’ pay following his release, Andrade was still subject to the 90-day period where he cannot perform elsewhere,” the report continued.
Preventing a “Loophole”
The report shed light on WWE’s reasoning for enforcing the non-compete period without pay. A WWE source explained to PWInsider that the company wanted to prevent a situation where a talent could violate company policy and immediately begin working for a competitor.
The source explained, “the company was not going to have a system in place where someone could theoretically leave the company due to violating their policies and then walk off to end up elsewhere the next day.” The situation was described as a “loophole the company could not allow to exist.”
Impact on Future Appearances
This enforcement of the 90-day non-compete clause will affect several of Andrade’s scheduled appearances. The report noted that Andrade is advertised for dates in Puerto Rico this upcoming weekend, but the belief is that he will not be appearing. Furthermore, “He is also advertised for an autograph event and to wrestle in New York the weekend of 11/15, but based on the circumstances, likely won’t be making those appearances either.”
This confirms earlier reports from Bryan Alvarez that Andrade was not injured and that a non-compete issue was holding up his return to the ring. Andrade’s return saw him join the Don Callis Family faction in AEW. While his storyline is on hold, other members of the group are scheduled for a championship match at the upcoming WrestleDream pay-per-view on October 18. At the event, Konosuke Takeshita and Kazuchika Okada will challenge Bandido and Brody King for the AEW World Tag Team Championship.
