A significant update has come to light regarding Andrade El Idolo’s absence from AEW television, with a new report revealing that a major change to WWE/TKO contracts is the cause. Andrade made a surprise return to AEW on October 1, less than a month after his WWE release, but has not been seen since. The holdup is reportedly due to a one-year non-compete clause that is now standard in new WWE/TKO contracts for talent fired for cause or breach of contract.
The New One-Year Non-Compete Clause
According to a new report from Bryan Alvarez, he has confirmed the existence of this specific clause with multiple sources. Alvarez stated:
“We have it confirmed through multiple sources that the new TKO contracts have a clause where if you are fired, there is a one-year non-compete. The older contracts had this but it’s standard now. This is the hold-up involving Andrade. Very skeptical this would hold up in a legal battle, but it’s in the contracts.”
This clause represents a substantial change from the typical 90-day non-compete period that has been common for main roster talent releases. While Alvarez is skeptical of the clause’s legal standing, it is written into the new standard agreements.
A Confusing Situation
The implementation of this clause explains the confusion surrounding Andrade’s status. Initially, it was widely believed that he did not have a non-compete period at all. Previous reports suggested his WWE release was due to multiple wellness policy failures, leading to the assumption that WWE had cut him outright without the standard 90-day paid non-compete period. Under this belief, Andrade returned to AEW on October 1, aligning himself with the Don Callis Family, and also worked a match for The Crash promotion in Mexico on October 3.
Impact on Current Bookings
The enforcement of this one-year non-compete clause has had an immediate effect on Andrade’s schedule. He has been booked for upcoming dates with WWC in Puerto Rico and was also scheduled for a Mucha Lucha event in Atlanta.
According to the report, Andrade’s appearance is no longer being advertised, indicating the clause is actively preventing him from making his scheduled appearances. This has effectively put his in-ring career on hold until the situation is resolved or the non-compete period expires. Andrade’s return to AEW saw him join the Don Callis Family, a prominent faction on AEW programming. While Andrade’s storyline is now paused, the group remains active.
