The bizarre contract situation surrounding Andrade El Idolo has been one of the most talked-about topics in wrestling for the past month, and a new report suggests that the entire ordeal may ultimately result in a massive babyface run for the star. In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Andrade is already starting to garner “major sympathy” in wrestling circles due to the nature of his current situation.
Andrade was fired by WWE in mid-September for reportedly violating the company’s Wellness Policy. He immediately returned to AEW on their October 1 anniversary show, only to be pulled from television after WWE sent a cease-and-desist, citing a one-year, unpaid non-compete clause for talent fired “with cause.”
Meltzer noted that with Andrade in contractual limbo and unable to earn a paycheck in the United States, the perception is that he is being unfairly punished. This has led to the expectation that “El Idolo” will be a massive babyface for AEW once the non-compete clause expires or is legally resolved.
This situation has also reportedly forced AEW to drop all mention of his return and his attack on Kenny Omega, with announcers being told not to bring up his name. Despite the non-compete, Andrade is still being advertised for some international bookings. He competed for The Crash in Mexico on October 3 and is still advertised for a WWC Universal Championship match in Puerto Rico this weekend, suggesting the clause may only be enforceable within the United States. His advertised match for Mucha Lucha in Atlanta, however, has been canceled.
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