Overview
- Multiple outlets report WWE sent AEW a legal notice asserting Andrade is under a non-compete, prompting AEW to stop using him on television.
- Early expectations inside AEW, and even among some WWE contacts, held that he had no restriction after his Sept. 13 release.
- Follow-up reporting says newer WWE/TKO contracts can impose up to a one-year non-compete when talent are fired for cause, though its enforceability is disputed.
- Andrade has pulled out of independent bookings, and his newly won Crash Heavyweight Championship could be affected if the restriction stands.
- AEW’s Tony Khan praised Andrade but declined to confirm contract details, and reports say Andrade has legal counsel with no lawsuit filed to date.