• Bad News For Andrade
Andrade made his final WWE appearance at SummerSlam, where he teamed up with Rey Fenix in a TLC Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship. A month later, the former United States Champion was released from WWE due to multiple violations of the company’s Wellness Policy.
At the start of this month, Andrade made a surprise return to AEW during Dynamite’s six-year anniversary, but he has not appeared on television since. Reports indicate WWE sent a cease and desist letter to AEW, citing Andrade’s non-compete clause, which could keep him off TV for up to a year. Sources in Mexico have speculated that WWE enforcing the clause could be a strategy to bring him back, though nothing has been confirmed.
Under TKO’s new contract system, wrestlers released for cause are reportedly subject to a one-year non-compete clause. El Idolo is believed to be affected by this.
According to Fightful Select, WWE currently has no plans to use Andrade on their programming. The company appears focused on preventing him from appearing in other promotions as they reportedly do not want to set a precedent where a wrestler can immediately work elsewhere after violating WWE rules and being released.
The ongoing situation has drawn sympathy from the wrestling community as Andrade also won’t receive payment from WWE while sidelined.
• Another Possible Sign That Chris Jericho Is Done With AEW
Chris Jericho’s contract with All Elite Wrestling is set to expire in two months. The former World Heavyweight Champion is said to be eyeing a WWE return in 2026 for a possible retirement tour and Hall of Fame induction.
Over the past few months, there have been several indications that Jericho could be preparing to move on from AEW. Earlier this year, he admitted that he’d be open to returning to WWE someday. Moreover, his 2026 cruise isn’t advertising any AEW talent or matches, which is a major change compared to previous years.
The latest sign came earlier this month when Jericho’s trademark filing for “The Jericho Vortex” was officially ruled as dead and abandoned by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The trademark was initially filed in April 2024, but was abandoned due to a “failure to file timely SOU or extension request.”
The term “Jericho Vortex” became popular among fans frustrated with his AEW storylines, as many believed that wrestlers who feuded with him often ended up stuck in long, drawn-out rivalries that didn’t elevate them.
Y2J had seemingly embraced the idea, planning to make it part of his on-screen persona and claim that working with him helped wrestlers reach new levels.
Chris Jericho hasn’t appeared in AEW since April. Tony Khan has stated on a few occasions that he’d love to have the 54-year-old back.
