The situation with Andrade El Idolos AEW run is getting more complicated by the week, and now Tony Khan has finally spoken on whats really going on. While fans are eager to see Andrade back in the mix, legal red tape tied to WWE may keep him sidelined longer than expected.
During the AEW WrestleDream media call, Jon Alba asked Khan directly about Andrades status with the company. Khan praised Andrades work in AEW during 2023 but didnt give any specifics when pressed about whether Andrade was under contract or restricted by a WWE non-compete clause.
The lack of detail hasnt stopped speculation. Reports indicate Andrade could be tied up in a one-year non-compete clause stemming from his WWE exit, believed to be triggered by an alleged breach of contract. That restriction would keep him out of action unless successfully overturned in court.
Bryan Alvarez revealed that WWEs contracts under TKO Group Holdings now include much stricter terms than before. Instead of the traditional 90-day non-compete, the new deals lock wrestlers down for a full year if theyre fired for violating company rules.
The Andrade situation is shaping up as a test case for this new TKO-era clause. WWE has a history of non-competes being challenged even Brock Lesnar fought one back in 2004. Whether Andrade chooses to take legal action or simply wait it out remains to be seen.
For now, Tony Khan and AEW are keeping quiet, but fans are left wondering how long Andrade will remain sidelined and what this could mean for future WWE talent releases under the new contract system.
Do you think Andrade should take WWE to court over the one-year non-compete, or wait it out and return when the clause expires? Share your thoughts in the comments.
