Andrade’s Future Uncertain Amid New WWE’s One-Year Non-Compete Clause – A major contractual update within WWE and TKO Group Holdings has come to light, shedding new context on recent Superstar releases and ongoing disputes — including Andrade El Idolo’s absence from AEW television.
According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, WWE’s latest talent contracts under TKO now include a standardized one-year non-compete clause for wrestlers released “for cause” or due to a breach of contract. This clause reportedly applies across all new agreements and represents a significant shift from the company’s long-standing 90-day non-compete policy.
Alvarez stated, “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.”
This change marks a notable departure from decades of WWE practice, where released talent typically had a 90-day restriction before they could work for another promotion. The introduction of a full-year restriction underlines TKO’s more corporate approach to talent management, mirroring clauses more common in sports and entertainment industries.
The revelation also provides clarity regarding Andrade El Idolo’s current situation. Andrade made a surprise return to AEW on the October 1 episode of Dynamite, but his subsequent absence from programming has raised questions. Reports indicated his WWE contract had been terminated earlier this year, which led many to assume he was free to compete elsewhere. However, if WWE invoked the one-year non-compete clause under the “for cause” provision, it could explain his current inactivity and possible legal complications.
Previous speculation suggested Andrade’s WWE departure was linked to multiple Wellness Policy violations — a circumstance that would qualify as a termination “for cause” under the new TKO language. If accurate, this could mean Andrade remains contractually restricted from appearing on AEW television until as late as 2025.
According to Fightful Select, WWE sent a cease and desist letter to AEW, claiming Andrade was still under contract for 90 days following his release. This move surprised many, including insiders from both companies, who believed Andrade had been fully released and was free to sign elsewhere.
Sources say the confusion stems from Andrade’s rumored termination related to WWE’s wellness policy. After his departure, he began accepting independent bookings and eventually signed with AEW, assuming he was a free agent. His representatives reportedly met with AEW President Tony Khan on the day of his return.
Neither WWE, TKO Group Holdings, nor AEW have issued official statements regarding the reported clause. However, the update raises significant questions about TKO’s handling of future releases, the enforceability of extended non-compete agreements, and how this new policy could impact free agency negotiations moving forward across the wrestling industry.
Andrade’s Future Uncertain Amid New WWE’s One-Year Non-Compete Clause
