Tag: andrade

Update on Andrade’s contractual situation with WWE, AEW

Posted on by Ian Carey

An update is available regarding Andrade’s contractual status.

During an interview with Deportes published on Wednesday, Andrade said he is working with WWE on an agreement to get out of his one-year non-compete clause with the company. He also said WWE only activated the clause after he appeared on AEW programming. Before then, Andrade believed he was completely free of his deal.

“My lawyers are already talking with WWE’s lawyers, and they’re reaching an agreement. I don’t know the exact date,” Andrade said during the interview (translated from Spanish).

He also addressed his Wellness policy violation in WWE that ultimately led to his departure.

“I got a warning because there are many medicines or supplements in Mexico that you can use, but over there you can’t,” he said (translated from Spanish).

Andrade’s comments to Deportes were addressed on Thursday’s edition of Wrestling Observer Radio with our own Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez, who mentioned that he’d been told WWE felt activating Andrade’s non-compete clause was up to their discretion.

“I would be very skeptical of some of it,” Meltzer said about Andrade’s interview. “He basically said that his non-compete is worldwide and that he expects it to be settled in less than three months. And I was kind of told when this thing went down that they had the one year non-compete but they probably weren’t going to enforce it for the full year. They might. I think they felt it was up to their discretion.”

Meltzer added that he believes a WWE non-compete of this length would not hold up if Andrade took the matter to court.

“If there was a court fight that was threatened, they would probably have to stop, because there’s no way that they could keep him from wrestling for a year and not pay him. And have the thing be worldwide, it could never hold up in court. But there’s no indication he’s taking them to court but he is saying that they are in talks.”

“His claim is that he didn’t know that there was a non-compete when he went to AEW, that he was under the impression that there wasn’t. And then when he went on, then WWE contacted him and said hey, you’re on a non-compete.”

Alvarez asked Meltzer if Tony Khan put Andrade on AEW programming without having him under contract.

“He may have signed a contract for all we know without the knowledge that he couldn’t sign a contract. He obviously told Tony that there was no non-compete,” Meltzer answered.

The full episode of Wrestling Observer Radio with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez is available for subscribers here. Andrade’s interview with Deportes is available below.

Kenny Omega on Andrade contract situation: ‘I think everything will be alright’

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Kenny Omega thinks the situation with Andrade will eventually work itself out.

Talking to SHAK Wrestling, Omega addressed the situation with the former WWE star. He said that while Andrade has been sidelined for now, he thinks the situation will eventually work itself out.

“To see him back in AEW was a happy moment for me because I felt he really wanted to be there and do well,” he said. “So now that he’s been sidelined for a little bit, I can imagine that when he comes back, he’ll still have that same amount of motivation, I think everything will be alright. And of course when things happen injury or otherwise, you have to pivot. The show must go on. It’s just the way it is. It’s the nature of the beast that is professional wrestling.”

Andrade made a shock return to AEW back on the October 1 edition of Dynamite, attacking Omega and siding with the Don Callis Family. However, he vanished from television soon after due to WWE enforcing a one year no compete clause after being fired from the company for cause. 

In an interview this past week with Ariel Helwani, Tony Khan didn’t go into detail regarding Andrade’s situation, but hoped to work with him again whenever he is free from his contract.

Updates on AEW status of Andrade, Chris Jericho & Britt Baker

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: JJ Williams

As part of a wide-ranging interview with Ariel Helwani Tuesday, AEW head Tony Khan was asked about the status of several big name wrestlers in addition to his relationship with UFC head Dana White.

Andrade El Idolo

Khan was careful when talking about the contractual situation of Andrade El Idolo, reiterating when he initially left AEW, it was on the “best of terms.” Khan said he was thrilled to see him again and whenever he is free, he hopes to work with him again.

When asked if Andrade misrepresented his status following his departure from WWE that reportedly has come with a one-year non-compete, Khan said he couldn’t speak to that.

Andrade reappeared with AEW in October after his firing from WWE and attacked Kenny Omega. However, he quickly disappeared off TV afterward.

Chris Jericho

Similar to Andrade, Khan reiterated his past sentiments about wanting Chris Jericho to return. He said he couldn’t speak to when Jericho could return but that he’s always welcome to come in. The former AEW World Champion hasn’t been on AEW TV since this past April.

Asked about where he has been, Khan said some of it is just working out the dates and wouldn’t confirm when Jericho’s contract is up (Jericho had previously said his deal is up at year’s end.)

Khan says he hopes to have Jericho back in AEW and that when you are dealing with talents like that, you have to negotiate a certain number of dates.

Britt Baker

Khan again reiterated some of his past comments and that he’s really had some good talks with Baker. “I’m still looking for the right time with Britt,” he said, adding that he “would love to have her back in AEW. Britt is going to be back, I really believe, in AEW and I hope soon. It has to be the right situation for her and everyone involved. I want to make sure she’s 100% and that’s important to me.”

Baker hasn’t wrestled for AEW since November 2024.

Dana White

Despite Dana White being under TKO’s umbrella with the UFC, Khan said he and White are “still close” and recently attended a University of Miami football game with several Jacksonville Jaguars executives, Dan Lambert, and White.

For more coverage of Khan’s hour-long talk with Helwani, visit our AEW section.

Andrade reflects on sacrifices he’s made for the wrestling industry

Posted on by Ian Carey

Amid uncertainty concerning his WWE and AEW contractual status, Andrade recently posted a video reflecting on the sacrifices he’s made for professional wrestling.

In his post, Andrade revealed that his mother died while he was wrestling in Saudi Arabia and that he didn’t get the chance to say goodbye. He also shared that he nearly lost his father earlier this year while wrestling in Europe.

Andrade captioned his video:

“On October 18, 2003, My debut as a professional wrestler. My first paycheck was $4 dls. 80 pesos Mexicanos I was only 13 years old. All I cared about was wrestling and enjoying the business. I invested so much of my time in the business. When I was in Saudi Arabia, my mother passed away, and I didn’t get back in time to say goodbye. Championship match vs Finn Balor. This year 2025 something similar happened to me in Europe: my father almost died, and I wasn’t there anyway, and more. These are things you do because l love the business and this happens in many companies.”

In the attached video, Andrade speaks to the camera from his hometown of Gomez Palacio, Durango. His father, Brillante, and grandfather, El Moro, trained wrestlers and promoted shows there, often out of the Arena Azteca Budokan. El Moro is often credited with being the first person to establish a fund to assist injured luchadores.

Andrade says in the video (translated):

“This is Gomez Palacio, Durango, where I was raised. I open up to the public so you can see where I started. Things like, where I was born, my parents’ home, my first match. In the place where I made my debut. I used to come here to run, to do my physical fitness. I feel proud to be from Gomez Palacio, Durango. I hope you enjoyed this video.”

Andrade was released from WWE last month, reportedly due to multiple Wellness Policy violations. He returned to AEW on the October 1 episode of Dynamite, aligning with the Don Callis Family, but hasn’t been back since. It’s believed WWE is looking to hold Andrade to a non-compete clause due to his release having been “with cause.”

Andrade’s post is below:

Andrade reflects on teaming with Rey Fenix in WWE, dream matches & more

Posted on by Ian Carey

Andrade took part in a Q&A session on Instagram recently.

He was asked about teaming with Rey Fenix on WWE SmackDown before being released from WWE. Andrade answered that the two became like brothers and were always brainstorming new ideas.

Andrade wrote about Fenix:

“This dude brought out my angel. When we were wrestling, we were always chatting about stories and where we’d go eat after. We were always chill and brainstorming new ideas. We became great bros.“

Andrade was also asked to name his five dream opponents. However, he was only able to keep his list down to seven, answering:

“Hulk Hogan, Eddie Guerrero, Ric Flair, Will Ospreay, Roman, El Santo, Inoki”

He was also asked if he’s friends with Mistico, and responded that he’s friends with multiple people who have portrayed the character:

“I’ve been friends with the previous Místico (@cintadeoro) — we built a great friendship in WWE, and he helped me get to SmackDown.
I’m friends with the original Místico, the first Sin Cara (@caristico_official). He was my mentor in the Gran Alternativa tournament and supported me early on when I was LA SOMBRA in CMLL.
I’m also friends with Místico 2, now DRALÍSTICO (@dralisticooficial). We have a great friendship — he’s like a brother.
I’ve had great adventures with all three of them. Great people.”

Asked about how hard Ultimo Guerrero chops, Andrade responded:

“It depends! Sometimes it’s like an 8, and when he’s mad it’s almost a 9.
Other times it’s a 7.
He hits hard”

Asked about why he doesn’t wear a mask anymore, he answered:

“Because I’m handsome! Just kidding, it’s heavy!!”

Andrade was released by WWE in September, reportedly due to multiple Wellness Policy violations. He returned to AEW on October 1, aligning with the Don Callis Family, but has not been back on AEW programming since. It’s believed that TKO are claiming Andrade should be under a one-year non-compete clause as a result of him being fired for due cause.

Andrade’s contractual status with AEW and the details regarding his release from WWE was addressed by Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez on the most recent edition of Wrestling Observer Radio.

Meltzer said on the show:

“There may be some people don’t have it in there but it is standard in the contracts and he certainly had it in there that if you’re fired for just cause they can hold you for a year. I would say I don’t anticipate it being a year, but it’s not going to be a week either.”

Report: Andrade no longer wrestling at WWC event

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Andrade is in Puerto Rico, but won’t be at WWC’s event.

Both Lucha Libre Online and Fightful Select are reporting that while Andrade is in the country for Saturday’s WWC event, he will not be wrestling due to his ongoing contract situation with WWE. Fightful was told that he was doing whatever else he could do to make good for the booking, which was announced prior his contract situation with WWE taking place.

Earlier in October, Andrade made a shock return to AEW after being fired from WWE a month prior, attacking Kenny Omega and joining the Don Callis Family. However, he vanished from television soon after, with no word as to why. However, reports in the last week indicate that a new TKO non-compete clause could keep Andrade out for a year due to being fired for cause.

When asked about Andrade’s status with AEW during the AEW WrestleDream media call, Tony Khan didn’t directly answer the question and instead said he was excited to see what’s next for him.

Andrade’s first and only match so far post-WWE was when he won The Crash’s Heavyweight title on October 3. A match between him and LA Park was announced for October 26, but it is no longer being advertised.

WOL: WrestleDream preview, SmackDown & AI booking

Posted on by Jim Valley

Saturday’s Wrestling Observer Live is – indeed – live again with Jim Valley.

While many matches have been memorable, the creative across both major companies has seemed a bit uninspired.

WWE is trying to implement AI to write storylines along with appointing a liaison to The White House.

Plus, Jim talks AEW WrestleDream, WWE SmackDown, Andrade and more.

Check it out.

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WOL: John Cena’s last match, WWE and AI, Andrade

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Lance Storm returns with tons to talk about including a tragic bear-related wrestling death, John Cena’s final match, WWE looking into AI for storylines, house show news, your questions on a ton of different topics, and more! It’s FUN FRIDAY!, so check it out~!

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Wrestling Weekly: Seth Rollins & future plans in WWE, AEW WrestleDream thoughts

Posted on by Victor Sosa

Image: WWE

It’s time for a new Wrestling Weekly with Les Thatcher and Vic Sosa.

There are lots of questions in WWE with the apparent injury to Seth Rollins last Saturday at WWE Crown Jewel like where Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed go from here, plans for Survivor Series and beyond, and not to mention who is going to face off against CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Title.

We look at all those things and give our predictions for AEW’s WrestleDream.

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click here to listen (sub needed)

Tony Khan AEW media call notes: Andrade contract, Blood & Guts, ratings, injury updates

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: AEW

During a Thursday media call, AEW head Tony Khan talked about the contract situation with Andrade El Idolo (somewhat) in addition to the new ratings system, injury updates to two stars, potentially two Blood & Guts matches, and more.

The full audio from the call can be found below.

Andrade

Asked about the Andrade contract situation, Khan didn’t directly answer the question, even when offered the chance to do so on a follow-up. Khan said he has a ton of respect for him, calling him an amazing wrestler and said he would echo his statements at Worlds End in December 2023. He felt he left on a high note then and still feels that way. He’s excited to see what’s next for him and that was all he could say about it.

Nielsen ratings changes

Khan was asked about the new “Big Data + Panel” ratings methodology by Nielsen & how it’s affected wrestling. He said it will be interesting to look at and thinks they are overall having a really good year and “some of the best results of anybody.” Khan said he’s a part of different sports leagues and is aware of the differences & trying to learn from them. They need to adapt to the changing environment, but they are still trying to figure everything out.

Two Blood & Guts matches

Asked about whether there will be two Blood & Guts matches this year, he thinks they are heading toward both the men and women doing just that. He didn’t directly say the Greensboro, North Carolina, show in November will host two such matches, but he certainly seemed to hint at it.

Kota Ibushi & Swerve Strickland

Asked about Ibushi following his injury last week, Khan said the injury was “devastating for many reasons.” He was planned for the WrestleDream card and they had to make changes accordingly. He is looking forward to having him back if & when he is able. He added that sitting with Kenny Omega and Ibushi together at the Daily’s Place office last week was a “dream come true.”

On Strickland, Khan says he hopes he can come back “relatively soon” and based on conversations he had as recently as today, “he’s on a good pace and sooner than later.”

WrestleDream card updates

Khan said he has “undeniably” changed things for Saturday, but expects WrestleDream to be “an excellent, excellent show.” He is making changes and “going to try some things.” Ibushi was one of the things that necessitated a change.

Future AEW training/developmental facility?

Asked about interest in an AEW developmental/training facility, Khan said he’s interested in that, but was surprised at yesterday’s Fightful report about Asheville, North Carolina, saying there was some truth but was only part of the story. He played it off as kayfabe, saying he would be interested if FTR, Adam Copeland and Christian Cage could all make amends. He confirmed there were talks about such a place, but those issues would need to be figured out first.

Other Notes:

  • He also mentioned the wife of Lou Thesz is expected to be at WrestleDream as he wants to honor the spirit of wrestling in St. Louis. He said he would honor Antonio Inoki (for whom the event was initially done in tribute to) but didn’t specify how.

Click here to listen (no sub needed)

WOL: Andrade, WWE contracts, RUSH, Dynamite, more

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Lance Storm is back with tons to talk about including the situation with Andrade, the WWE contracts and what they stipulate and why, a bunch of injuries including to Rush and Fallon and Jacob Fatu, the Dynamite report, and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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New WWE contracts have lengthy non-compete if fired for cause or breach

Posted on by Joseph Currier

An update to WWE & TKO’s contract structure is what currently has Andrade on the sidelines after his AEW return.

Earlier this morning, our Bryan Alvarez reported that Andrade’s mysterious AEW absence was believed to have something to do with his WWE non-compete. Now, Alvarez has confirmed with multiple sources that it’s standard for new WWE/TKO contracts to have a clause where wrestlers have a one-year non-compete if fired for cause or breach:

We have it confirmed through multiple sources that the new TKO contracts have a clause where if you are fired, there is a one-year non-compete. The older contracts had this but it’s standard now. This is the hold-up involving Andrade. Very skeptical this would hold up in a legal battle, but it’s in the contracts.

Andrade returned to AEW on October 1, showing up in the promotion less than a month after his WWE release. He has not appeared for AEW since. It was originally believed that Andrade did not have a non-compete from WWE, with multiple wellness policy failures reported to be what led to WWE cutting him.

In addition to returning to AEW, Andrade worked a match for The Crash in Mexico on October 3. He’s been scheduled for upcoming dates for WWC in Puerto Rico and Mucha Lucha in Atlanta. The latter of those is no longer being advertised.

WWE non-compete clause potentially causing Andrade’s AEW absence

Posted on by F4W Staff

We now have a bit more information regarding Andrade and why he hasn’t been back on AEW TV since his return.

On the October 1 edition of Dynamite, Andrade made his return to AEW less than a month after being released from his WWE contract. He joined the Don Callis Family on the episode and started a feud with Kenny Omega. Since then, though, there has been little follow-up with fans wondering where Andrade has been.

“Regarding Andrade, all I know is that he’s not injured, and something is holding him up regarding his non-compete with WWE,” our Bryan Alvarez reports.

WWE main roster wrestlers traditionally have 90-day non-compete clauses after being released. A report from PWInsider said that Andrade’s WWE departure was due to multiple wellness policy failures, and WWE made the decision to cut him outright rather than continuing to pay him during a non-compete period.

Andrade did wrestle for The Crash in Mexico on October 3, winning the promotion’s Heavyweight Championship. He is scheduled to compete for WWC in Puerto Rico this weekend on the same day as AEW WrestleDream.

An Andrade vs. LA Park indie match was supposed to take place for Mucha Lucha Atlanta in Norcross, Georgia on October 26 but is no longer being advertised.

Andrade’s first AEW stint lasted from 2021-2023. His return has made him the first wrestler to go from WWE to AEW to WWE to AEW again.

AEW wrestler wins The Crash Heavyweight Championship

Posted on by Ian Carey

Andrade El Idolo had a big win in his first match following his WWE exit last month.

He defeated DMT Azul on Friday night in Tijuana to win The Crash Heavyweight Championship, ending Azul’s record-long 883-day reign. The match came just two days after Andrade returned to AEW on the sixth anniversary of Dynamite and confronted Kenny Omega.

Andrade’s AEW return drew some skepticism over issues from his first run with the company, including a backstage altercation with Sammy Guevara, and reportedly insinuating to the company he would re-sign, only to later leave for WWE. Dave Meltzer addressed the situation in Friday’s edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, noting that he was told AEW sees Andrade as someone who can help build the company in Mexico.

“As for Andrade, a big part of bringing him in is wanting another Hispanic star to help build the company up in Mexico and on Fox Sports Mexico, since he has a big name in that country,” Meltzer wrote.

The issue was also discussed by Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez on a recent edition of Wrestling Observer Radio.

“He’s coming off of a run that wasn’t good in WWE. Then he was fired over disciplinary reasons. He had lots of problems in AEW over disciplinary reasons. I always think burn me once, learn a lesson. This was not a lesson learned,” Meltzer said on the show.

A clip of the show is available below:

WOR: More Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame discussion, WON news items

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

Dave Meltzer and I are back with the Friday edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, talking about two major stories from today’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

The first is on the new ratings and how it’s affecting wrestling television shows. The second is on why Andrade was able to go to AEW so quickly.

John Muse, Ethan Tyler, and Phil Lions then joined us to talk about the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame candidates in both Mexico and rest of the world categories.

Click here to listen (sub needed) or watch on YouTube