WWE Non-Compete Clause creates uncertainty causes Andrade El Idolo's AEW Absence

Andrade El Idolo, one of professional wrestling's most dynamic performers, has become the center of speculation following his sudden disappearance from AEW television. His October 1, 2025, return on AEW Dynamite, where he attacked Kenny Omega and aligned with the Don Callis Family, was intended to mark the start of a new chapter for the former WWE star. However, in the weeks since, fans have been left wondering why Andrade has yet to appear again. The answer appears to be rooted in legal complications arising from his recent release from WWE.

Andrade's Journey Promotions and Background

Andrade's career has been an unprecedented series of transitions between WWE and AEW. He initially competed in WWE from 2015 to 2021 and then returned in 2024 for high-stakes matches, including a best-of-seven series with Carmelo Hayes and a tag team with Rey Fenix. His final WWE match was a six-pack TLC Tag Team Championship bout at SummerSlam 2025. Following his release in September 2025, due to multiple wellness policy violations, Andrade made a historic return to AEW and became the first wrestler to go WWE-AEW-WWE-AEW.

There are many reports online that suggest that  Andrarde AEW's absence is due to a contractual non-compete clause from WWE/TKO. While standard WWE non-competes last 90 days, sources suggest Andrade's termination "for cause" may trigger a one-year restriction on his presence from future bouts he was to be part of. The clause prevents him from working for any wrestling or MMA promotion in the U.S not affiliated with WWE/TKO during this period. WWE allegedly confirmed this restriction to AEW, placing Andrade's AEW appearance on hold.

AEW President Tony Khan has expressed respect for Andrade but has not commented on his return timeline. Khan stated at WrestleDream 2025, "Well, I would echo sentiments I had said at AEW Worlds End 2023, when Andrade initially left a few years ago. And I would say that I have a ton of respect for Andre El Idolo. I think he's an amazing wrestler, and I think that when he left in 2023, it was on a very high note," Khan said. "And, again, this is somebody that I think is just an incredible wrestler. I really enjoyed working with him in the past, and I'm excited to see what's next for him," he added. 

Andrade remains active internationally, winning the The Crash Heavyweight Championship in Mexico on October 3, and is scheduled to compete for WWC in Puerto Rico. A planned Mucha Lucha Atlanta appearance was canceled due to an ongoing non-compete issue. Andrade's ongoing situation highlights a major challenge faced by wrestlers under WWE/TKO contracts, especially with the enforcement of non-compete clauses.