The status of former WWE star Andrade has been a point of confusion over the past few weeks, with his absence from AEW programming sparking a wave of speculation online.
Andrade made a surprise return to AEW on the October 1 episode of Dynamite, appearing alongside Don Callis and attacking Kenny Omega.
Fans expected the storyline to continue, but Andrade hasn’t been seen on AEW television since. Reports from Wrestling Observer Radio later revealed that the absence wasn’t tied to injury or disciplinary action, but rather a non-compete clause stemming from his WWE release.
Bryan Alvarez explained that while many in AEW initially believed Andrade was free to work immediately, WWE later enforced the standard 90-day period, restricting him from appearing elsewhere.
“I was told that he’s not hurt. He didn’t get himself fired, but apparently something is up involving his WWE non-compete,” Alvarez said. Dave Meltzer added that WWE had even sent a letter to AEW clarifying Andrade’s status.
That contractual issue didn’t stop fans from throwing out theories, including one that quickly spiraled into something far more outlandish. A user on Twitter, operating under the handle @vagoni256, speculated without evidence that Andrade’s absence was tied to involvement with the Mexican cartel or a broader “nationwide crime scheme.”
Andrade eventually broke his silence and addressed the rumor directly on social media. In a short but firm post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “What?? Tranquilo amigo!! Will everyone please stop making things up?!”
The former WWE star also injected some humor into the situation, brushing aside the cartel chatter and joking that he might consider launching an OnlyFans account while waiting for his non-compete clause to run its course.
Further reporting from the outlet noted that while Andrade is not receiving pay during these 90 days, he is still bound by its restrictions.
Some within WWE had previously believed his release came under the Wellness Policy, which would have cleared him to immediately compete elsewhere. However, once he showed up in AEW and at events in Mexico, WWE stepped in to enforce the clause.