Andrade El Idro might be relaxing by the pool and avoiding conflict, but the situation surrounding his exit from WWE has become complicated and legally contentious. Recently, Andrade downplayed the significance of leaving WWE during an interview, but a new report by Dave Meltzer from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter tells a very different story. Sources within WWE claim that Andrade was fired after failing several drug tests, with the company withholding his severance pay and enforcing a strict 12-month worldwide non-compete ban.
According to these sources, since Andrade was terminated for disciplinary reasons, WWE felt no obligation to provide the usual 90-day severance package and still imposed the one-year ban on wrestling anywhere globally. This account contrasts sharply with Andrade’s public explanation, where he said he asked for time off to manage personal issues, including his father’s health and his son’s difficult divorce. When WWE allegedly denied his request for a break, he sought his release and admitted to failing a drug test due to supplements taken in Mexico, not from hard drugs. Andrade claims WWE approved his release on September 13, 2025, but soon after, the situation became suspicious.
He stated, “I asked them, ‘Do you have a non-compete clause?’ They said no. Then a few weeks later they came back and said, ‘I can’t wrestle for 12 months.'” Believing this was a misunderstanding, Andrade hired a new lawyer—partly because his previous lawyer also represented Charlotte Flair—but the damage was done. Confident he could wrestle freely, he made plans, only to be hit with WWE’s firm stance later. “They told me I couldn’t wrestle for 12 months. Without a paycheck or anything?” he said.
Now, Andrade has been without income for five months and is embroiled in an unexpected legal battle. A former WWE wrestler who is also a Harvard-educated lawyer has supported him, arguing that WWE’s approach is unlawful. “There was a wrestler who was a Harvard-educated lawyer, and he said it was illegal to put someone out of work for a year without pay.”
Despite the challenges, Andrade remains hopeful that the non-compete period will be reduced from a year to between three and six months, noting that talks are ongoing. “My lawyers are already talking to WWE’s lawyers. They’ve come to a good deal… I think me and my lawyers have set a date as well, but it’s still left for WWE to officially sign the contract.”
However, if WWE is determined to stand its ground and use tough legal tactics to make an example out of Andrade, this battle may not be over soon. For now, Andrade waits patiently, trusting that the matter will be resolved quickly and that he will return to the ring. “I trust in life and I trust in God. I believe this issue will be resolved soon and I will be back in the ring.”
The question remains: will WWE let him move on quietly, or will Andrade be forced to sit out while this legal conflict drags on? What’s your take? Does Andrade have a valid case, or is WWE acting within its rights? Should wrestlers dismissed for disciplinary reasons still be restricted from working? Share your thoughts below—we’re eager to hear from you.
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Fan Take: This unfolding legal drama is important for WWE fans because it highlights the ongoing struggles wrestlers face beyond the spotlight. How WWE handles Andrade’s case could set a precedent for the rights and freedoms of wrestlers exiting the company, which might influence the future of the sport and its athletes.
