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David Otunga Says Judge Would Likely Toss WWE’s Unpaid Yearlong Non-Compete in Andrade Dispute

His legal reading of WWE’s contract challenges the TKO-era clause that has kept Andrade off AEW television.

Overview

  • Andrade has not appeared on AEW TV since an October 1 return, following reports that WWE asserted a non-compete after his September release.
  • Otunga says the clause he reviewed allows WWE to fire talent without cause and bar them from working for one year without pay.
  • He argues a judge would likely rule such an uncompensated restriction invalid because it prevents a worker from earning a living.
  • Otunga notes WWE typically relies on a 90-day practice, which he believes helps the company avoid court challenges to the longer language.
  • No lawsuit has been filed; AEW’s Tony Khan offered no specifics on Andrade’s status, and coverage contrasts his case with talents who left after contracts expired, such as Ricochet.