Andrade may soon be back in action with AEW, as his WWE contract officially expired on December 12th, making him a free agent. According to Fightful Select, Andrade was able to negotiate his release from the one-year non-compete restriction with the help of Rush, who connected him with a lawyer and agent familiar with WWE dealings. Since his departure from WWE on September 13th, Andrade hasn’t been paid, but he is now free to sign with any wrestling promotion, including AEW, CMLL, AAA, or TNA. Following his WWE exit, Andrade’s visa ended as well, but he has since returned to the U.S. and is in the process of sorting out his visa status.
AEW Chairman Tony Khan expressed optimism regarding Andrade’s future with the company during a recent phone interview, acknowledging mutual interest but not confirming if Andrade would appear at the upcoming pay-per-view event. Fightful also noted AEW’s efforts to ensure Andrade’s transition is hassle-free after legal concerns arose from his prior appearance in AEW where he attacked Kenny Omega alongside Don Callis. Andrade has announced his return to New Japan Pro Wrestling and is slated to appear at Wrestle Kingdom 20 as part of the United Empire faction.
Fan Take: This update is exciting for AEW fans as Andrade’s availability opens the door for fresh storylines and potential rivalries that could elevate the promotion’s appeal. His return underscores the evolving landscape of pro wrestling, where talent mobility can lead to dynamic shifts and intriguing new matchups.
