Andrade’s last WWE appearance came at SummerSlam earlier this year, where he teamed up with Rey Fenix in a TLC match for the WWE Tag Team Championship. Over a month later, WWE released him due to multiple Wellness Policy violations.
Speaking to TV Azteca’s DeporTV, Andrade explained that his issues in WWE began with medications and supplements that are legal in Mexico but prohibited under WWE rules. He reached an agreement with the company to part ways after receiving a warning.
The former United States Champion also noted that part of his interest in returning to WWE was due to his marriage with Charlotte Flair. The couple later divorced, but he emphasized the split was amicable.
“I returned to WWE a year and a half ago, I was in AEW, and at that time I was happy earning millions but I was married. My ex-wife’s name is Charlotte Flair and the idea was to return to WWE, to be with her, and many things happened.
We got divorced and I was not comfortable in some things, I had a warning call because many medicines and supplements that in Mexico can be consumed but not there. We have certain restrictions on recipes that we cannot consume as athletes because of doping and things like that. I was also a little annoyed.”
He added that initially, his release did not include a non-compete clause. That clause only came into effect after his brief return to All Elite Wrestling, prompting him to hire a lawyer to negotiate the terms. Andrade indicated that the discussions aim to shorten the clause’s 1-year duration, but no final agreement has been reached yet.
Andrade also suggested that WWE was likely unhappy with his AEW return, though he stressed he remains grateful for his time with the company.
“I talked to WWE, we reached an agreement to leave WWE and we ended up in the best way in that time. Then I returned to AEW, I imagine [WWE] didn’t like (that he returned to AEW), I really don’t know. I’m very grateful to WWE.
Since the lawyer I had was also my ex-wife’s lawyer, you can’t use the same lawyer anymore. The contract I signed, the lawyer did not realize a clause of 12 months without competition, and from there they took that clause. Right now we are in that phase. It wouldn’t be a year, we’re negotiating. I’m going to be 3 months inactive and I can’t compete worldwide.
At first I didn’t have clause, I could fight leaving WWE. Then the clause came when they saw me debut in AEW.”
He confirmed that the non-compete is currently the focus of legal negotiations, which are ongoing to avoid court involvement. Andrade also revealed that the clause has prevented him from signing with other companies, despite having multiple offers.
Lawyers are working towards a resolution, and he is hopeful he will soon be cleared to return to the ring.
