Andrade details his legal conflict with WWE and when he might return to the ring

Andrade remains completely sidelined from AEW programming despite having briefly returned during the special for the sixth anniversary of Dynamite. His situation has nothing to do with injuries or creative plans: everything revolves around a controversial non-compete clause imposed by WWE after his departure.

In an interview with Los Protagonistas, Andrade explained his version in detail, confirming that the origin of the problem lies in a contract signed during his previous tenure in WWE, a contract that, according to him, his lawyer (who was also the lawyer of his ex-wife Charlotte Flair) did not review correctly.

The Mexican recalled that he returned to WWE a year and a half ago largely motivated by his marriage, but personal breakup and several internal clashes marked his departure. Among them, a warning about supplements that are legal in Mexico but banned in the United States under anti-doping rules.

I reached an agreement with WWE to leave and everything was fine. I returned to AEW, but I guess they didn't like it. The lawyer didn't notice a 12-month non-compete clause, and that's what they grabbed onto. It won't be a year; we are negotiating. I will be inactive for three months and cannot compete anywhere.

WWE usually applies 90-day clauses, but their contracts allow for up to a year without pay if they decide to terminate "without cause." Andrade claims that this clause appeared after WWE saw him debut immediately in AEW, at which point the company decided to activate it retroactively.

Currently, both parties are negotiating a reduction in the inactive period. The wrestler admitted that he could take the case to court, but the process would be long and costly, so his representatives are seeking a direct agreement.

"My lawyers are already talking to WWE's lawyers. There is an advanced settlement, I think we have a date, but we are waiting for WWE to officially sign to say, 'This is the day Andrade returns to the ring,'" he commented.

In the meantime, Andrade assures that he remains calm, training, resting, and staying away from legal stress. His return is in the hands of negotiations, but it could be resolved "in a month, a week, or sooner." For now, his immediate future remains on hold.