The WWE non-compete clause affecting Andrade “El Ídolo” could have a worldwide scope

Andrade continues to star in one of the most bizarre stories of recent years in the professional wrestling business. After being released by WWE allegedly for violating the company's wellness policy, "The Idol" returned to AEW, only to discover that his contract with the Endeavor-owned company contained a clause that would prevent him from working for another North American company for a whole year.

Given the situation, Andrade left the matter in the hands of his lawyers and those of AEW while agreeing to appear on the 14th-anniversary show of The Crash in Tijuana, Mexico, where apparently that clause was not valid. However, on the day of the event, Andrade only attended the Meet & Greet with fans, missing the subsequent show and leaving the venue, which sparked much discussion.

At that time, Dave Meltzer, from Wrestling Observer Radio, pointed out that Andrade had left because he was discontented, although the reason was unknown. "Andrade was at the show, probably the main attraction. He was there signing autographs and then he left. The only thing we heard is that he was unhappy. His non-compete clause is only in the United States, so he can work in Tijuana and Mexico City," Meltzer said last week.

Today, however, the journalist's belief is completely different. People close to Andrade's situation consider that the Mexican's non-compete clause is global, which would prevent him from competing for any company until late 2026.

"Andrade was announced for the show. He participated in the Meet and Greet, but did not appear at the event. It was reported that he left upset after the session, but there are also those who say he was not going to wrestle, so he had no reason to stay. Now there are those who claim that his non-compete is global and not just in the United States, which makes sense given that he has not wrestled outside the U.S. either. Additionally, there is no way that would hold up in court if he decides to challenge it," Meltzer wrote in an update on the matter.

For now, the only certainty is that Andrade has not been able to compete since his departure from WWE and was immediately removed from AEW's programming upon his return to the company. Likewise, the company has avoided mentioning the Mexican as they seek a solution to a problem that is too complex.