• Real Reason Andrade Disappeared From AEW TV After Return
Andrade El Idolo has been missing from AEW programming since his shocking return on the 6-year Anniversary special episode of Dynamite, where he attacked Kenny Omega and joined The Don Callis Family. He was also left out of Don Callis’ on-screen birthday celebration segment recently.
The Wrestling Observer and Fightful Select previously reported that AEW sources were remaining quiet about the former WWE star’s situation. Fightful also confirmed that Andrade is still under contract with AEW and that his disappearance isn’t being blamed on him or the company.
Dave Meltzer provided an update on Andrade’s status with AEW on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio. He said that WWE sent a letter to AEW about Andrade appearing on their programming as there are some issues with his non-compete clause.
AEW believed that Andrade did not have a non-compete clause in his contract after WWE fired him. This belief was shared by many people in WWE as well.
Apparently, Andrade is bound by the 90-day non-compete period starting from the date of his WWE release, which is why he was pulled from AEW programming.
Previous reports indicated that the former United States Champion had no non-compete clause, as WWE reportedly released him outright after multiple Wellness Policy violations.
• Top SmackDown Star May Be Injured
Jacob Fatu returned on the SmackDown after Wrestlepalooza to pick a fight with Drew McIntyre after The Scottish Psychopath’s loss to Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
The Samoan Werewolf also set his sights on The American Nightmare’s Undisputed WWE Title on last week’s episode of SmackDown in Perth, Australia. However, those plans may be in jeopardy, as Fatu may have suffered an injury just days after his return.
CodyWhoades of Bodyslam recently took to X to post a GIF of Fatu and captioned it:
“The bug strikes another”
He was seemingly hinting that the injury bug has struck Fatu following World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins’ recent setback.
Fatu is scheduled to face Drew McIntyre on tomorrow’s episode of SmackDown after Crown Jewel.
The Wrestling Observer recently reported that WWE is planning a #1 Contender’s Match between Fatu and McIntyre at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Salt Lake City, Utah, on November 1, with the winner earning a title shot against Cody Rhodes at Survivor Series: WarGames.
