Andrade El Idolo is finally speaking out — and his side of the story paints a much messier picture than fans expected.
After reports surfaced claiming he could be blocked from wrestling for up to a year due to an alleged contract breach, Andrade has now confirmed that WWE did enforce a 12‑month non‑compete clause… and he says it happened after he showed up in AEW.
During an interview with Los Protagonistas, Andrade laid out the timeline, his frustrations, and how the situation became even more complicated due to his divorce from Charlotte Flair. Andrade explained that his original return to WWE in 2023 was motivated by being closer to his then‑wife. But once things fell apart personally, the professional situation became even more strained.
“I returned to WWE a year and a half ago… I was happy earning millions but I was married. My ex‑wife’s name is Charlotte Flair and the idea was to return to WWE, to be with her, and many things happened. We got divorced and I was not comfortable in some things.”
He also admitted he received a warning over medications and supplements that are allowed in Mexico but restricted under WWE’s wellness rules.
“We have certain restrictions… because of doping and things like that. I was also a little annoyed.”
Andrade says WWE agreed to his release on good terms — until he reappeared in AEW. That’s when he claims WWE suddenly enforced a clause his lawyer missed.
“The contract I signed, the lawyer did not realize a clause of 12 months without competition… At first I didn’t have clause, I could fight leaving WWE. Then the clause came when they saw me debut in AEW.”
He revealed that because he shared a lawyer with Charlotte Flair at the time, he can no longer use that attorney — leaving him even more vulnerable to the contract language he says he didn’t fully understand. With new legal representation, Andrade is now negotiating directly with WWE to shorten the enforced inactivity period. He says the year‑long clause is being actively renegotiated.
“I’m going to be 3 months inactive and I can’t compete worldwide… My lawyers are already talking to the WWE lawyers. They have reached a good arrangement… I think I have a date and my lawyer too, but it remains for WWE to officially sign it.”
He also acknowledged that while he could take the fight to court, the process could take longer — and cost significantly more — than negotiating a settlement.
“We can fight, we can go to court, but the lawyers told me the process may be longer… They are trying to negotiate so as not to go to court.”
For now, Andrade says he’s keeping his routine simple while he waits for WWE to finalize the agreement.
“Well, now it’s nothing more than getting ready… waking up, having dinner, training, going to the beach, sunbathing, more than anything not thinking about that.”
Whether Andrade returns in a month, a week, or longer is entirely in WWE’s hands — and until they officially sign off, his in‑ring future remains on pause.
What do you think about WWE enforcing a 12‑month clause only after Andrade appeared in AEW? Should he take the fight to court, or is negotiating the smarter move? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let your voice be heard.
November 26, 2025 11:07 pm
