WWE Non-Compete Stops Andrade El Idolo Working In AEW

A new report has shed some light on WWE’s role in Andrade El Idolo’s AEW disappearance.

On the October 1st edition of Dynamite, Andrade El Idolo made his shock return to AEW only three weeks after being let go by WWE. On the show, Andrade attacked Kenny Omega and joined the Don Callis family. However, since then, he has not been seen on AEW TV.

The timing of the return was surprising, as WWE normally holds talent to their contractual, paid, 90-day no-compete clause. At the time, it was reported that this had been waived for Andrade due to the nature of his departure, with Mike Johnson of PWInsider revealing the Mexican star was cut after “numerous WWE Wellness violations” in the past year.

However, while discussing Andrade’s disappearance on Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez noted that the star wasn’t injured, with the no-compete being the actual cause.

“Regarding Andrade, all I know is that he’s not injured, and something is holding him up regarding his no-compete with WWE.”

People In WWE Thought Andrade El IDolo Didn’t Have 90-Day No-Compete

Dave Meltzer elaborated further, saying there were people in both companies who thought Andrade wasn’t subject to a no-compete, but WWE has now informed AEW that’s not the case.

“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… that’s the story. They said that he can’t do (anything in AEW) for 90 days.”

It remains to be seen when Andrade El Idolo will return to AEW, but he is seemingly keeping active on the independent scene and is currently scheduled to compete for Puerto Rico’s WWC promotion on October 18th, the same day as AEW Wrestledream.

Are you looking forward to Andrade El Idolo returning to AEW? Who do you want to see him face? Let us know your thoughts below!

H/T to SEScoops.com for the above transcription.