The bizarre contract situation surrounding Andrade El Idolo has taken another strange turn. A new report from PWInsider, noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, suggests that a “belief in lucha libre circles” is that WWE could be using its one-year non-compete clause as a form of leverage to persuade Andrade to return to the company. This theory adds another layer of complexity to the unprecedented situation, which has seen Andrade return to AEW television, only to be immediately pulled due to a cease-and-desist from his former employer.
The saga began when Andrade was fired from his WWE contract in mid-September for “multiple wellness policy violations.” This “with cause” termination reportedly activated a one-year, unpaid non-compete clause in his TKO contract. Unaware of this, Andrade signed with AEW and returned on their October 1 anniversary show, attacking Kenny Omega. WWE promptly sent a cease-and-desist, and Andrade has been off television since.
A new report from Fightful Select has refuted the rumor that WWE is trying to get him back. According to Fightful’s sources, WWE had no intention of using Andrade again when he was fired in September and has no plans to use him at the moment, making the “leverage” theory unlikely. This leaves Andrade in a state of professional limbo. He is reportedly not being paid by WWE during this non-compete period, a situation that is drawing him a “great deal of sympathy” from within the wrestling industry as it prevents him from making a living in the United States. He is, however, still being advertised for some independent events, including a Big Time Wrestling show on November 1.
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