Andrade’s AEW Future Uncertain as WWE Enforces 90-Day Non-Compete Clause Amid Possible Legal Battle

A few days ago, Andrade officially parted ways with WWE after rejoining the company at the 2024 Royal Rumble. He has since embarked on a new chapter with AEW. However, his return appears to have sparked probable legal complications surrounding his eligibility to perform.

For context, he made a shocking appearance on the October 1 episode of AEW Dynamite, where he attacked Kenny Omega and aligned himself with The Don Callis Family. The return came just weeks after his WWE exit. Since that night, however, Andrade has not been seen on AEW programming, nor has his name been added to the company’s official roster page.

This has naturally raised questions about his current status. According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE is allegedly enforcing a 90-day non-compete clause, which would prevent the Mexican from appearing on AEW television.

What I’ve been hearing was WWE sent a letter. AEW obviously believed that there was no non-compete. 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.

Dave Meltzer via WON

The initial belief within WWE circles was that since Andrade was cut outright, he was not going to be paid his 90 days and was free to perform elsewhere.

After he began making his appearances, WWE clarified to Andrade that even though he was not going to get the traditional 90… pic.twitter.com/kZtlgrWLfH

— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) October 16, 2025

This would explain Andrade’s sudden disappearance from AEW after his dramatic return. Initially, reports from Jon Alba indicated that his WWE release stemmed from disciplinary issues and that the company had waived his non-compete, allowing him to work immediately elsewhere. 

However, WWE’s alleged legal action suggests otherwise. Typically, released main roster wrestlers are subject to a 90-day non-compete, during which they continue to be paid but cannot perform for another promotion. 

Andrade’s situation is unusual, as he is reportedly not being paid during this period, something that Fightful described as very easy to fight in court, though any legal battle would easily outlast the said 90 days. Adding to the drama, Mike Johnson of PWInsider Elite further reported that the consequences could extend far beyond 90 days.

The word making its way in lucha circles today is that Andrade could be kept out of ring for one year by WWE contractually due to breach of his WWE deal when he was terminated. That would be subject to whether that stipulation of his WWE deal could be challenged successfully from a legal perspective.

Mike Johnson of PW Insider

The word making its way in lucha circles today is that Andrade could be kept out of ring for one year by WWE contractually due to breach of his WWE deal when he was terminated.

That would be subject to whether that stipulation of his WWE deal could be challenged successfully… pic.twitter.com/552Caw534d

— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) October 16, 2025

This report from Johnson was further confirmed by Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer. He revealed that the new TKO contracts have made the one-year non-compete clause standard upon the wrestler being fired for cause or breach. This one-year restriction could seriously delay Andrade’s AEW push.

Andrade engaged in a heated debate with Dave Meltzer on social media

Since leaving WWE on September 13, Andrade has competed in just one match. The Mexican star defeated DMT Azul on October 3 to capture the Crash Heavyweight Championship. As previously mentioned, he was originally slated to face Kenny Omega at AEW WrestleDream on October 18, but his ongoing legal complications have left his future uncertain.

Notably, he is the first wrestler to leave WWE for AEW, then return to WWE, and later rejoin AEW. However, just days before his legal troubles surfaced, the 35-year-old found himself in a public feud with veteran wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer.

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer claimed that AEW already had enough talent and didn’t need to bring Andrade back. He also alleged that the former NXT Champion had disciplinary issues in both WWE and AEW, adding that some wrestlers viewed Tony Khan as secondary to WWE. 

In response, Andrade quickly took to X to fire back at Meltzer’s comments, accusing him of spreading baseless rumors.

@davemeltzerWON You talk too much s**t without proof, and Sir, I’ll only tell you one thing: when my contract with AEW ended, I personally went man to man to thank MR. TONY KHAN for the opportunity to be in AEW, and that’s all I’ll tell you. If I wanted to talk more, I would show you that you’re wrong about many things. But you keep killing the business! Yo le deseo lo mejor!!

Andrade via X

@davemeltzerWON You talk too much shit without proof, and Sir, I'll only tell you one thing: when my contract with AEW ended, I personally went man to man to thank MR. TONY KHAN for the opportunity to be in AEW, and that's all I'll tell you. If I wanted to talk more, I would show…

— “EL IDOLO” ANDRADE (@AndradeElIdolo) October 5, 2025

Andrade’s post made it clear that he respected Khan and that Meltzer’s claims were unfounded. As for what comes next, it remains to be seen how Andrade’s alleged 90-day non-compete clause situation will unfold. 

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For reference, during his first AEW run, Andrade competed against top names such as Eddie Kingston, Claudio Castagnoli, Brody King, Bryan Danielson, and Daniel Garcia, defeating Danielson, King, and Garcia in the Continental Classic tournament. 

His final AEW match before his contract expired was against another former AEW star, Miro (now Rusev), who has since returned to WWE.

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