Shocking Return to AEW Raises Eyebrows
Professional wrestling was set abuzz when Andrade El Idolo made a dramatic, unannounced return to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), attacking Kenny Omega and aligning with The Don Callis Family. The surprise move was made even more notable by the fact that, unlike most wrestlers released from WWE, Andrade did not have to sit out the standard 90-day non-compete period before joining AEW[1][2][3]. This unusual scenario quickly set off speculation: How did Andrade exit WWE so abruptly, and why was he immediately available to work for the competition?
WWE Release Follows Multiple Wellness Policy Violations
According to multiple WWE sources cited by wrestling news outlet PWInsider, Andrade’s dismissal was directly tied to repeated violations of WWE’s Wellness Policy over the past year[1][4][5]. While the company typically announces such suspensions publicly, this time, the disciplinary actions were handled quietly—suggesting an evolving approach to internal policy enforcement. A WWE insider, speaking on background, noted that “the decision was clear after several strikes, and the company felt it was time to move on.” This departure was not a negotiated release but a termination for cause, with WWE opting to “cut Andrade outright” rather than paying him to stay at home under the terms of a no-compete clause[1][3].
Why No 90-Day Non-Compete Clause?
WWE’s standard operating procedure for released wrestlers is to enforce a 90-day non-compete—essentially, three months’ notice—during which talent remains under contract and cannot appear on rival television. However, Andrade’s situation was different. Because his release was categorized as a “firing” due to disciplinary reasons, WWE did not have to honor the usual notice period or continue paying his contract[1][2][3]. This allowed Andrade to sign with AEW almost immediately, a rare occurrence in the modern wrestling landscape.
“This was not a mutual parting—it was a termination,” a source familiar with the decision explained. “When someone is fired for cause, especially over repeat Wellness violations, the company is under no obligation to keep them on payroll or keep them from working elsewhere. That’s why fans saw Andrade wrestling in Mexico and the U.S. within days of his WWE exit.”[1][2]
Historical Context: Not Andrade’s First Wellness Issue
This was not the first time Andrade has run afoul of WWE’s Wellness Policy. In January 2020, the company publicly announced his 30-day suspension for a first violation—a move that was, at the time, standard practice for the promotion[1]. Since then, however, WWE has shifted to a more discreet approach regarding Wellness infractions, with suspensions and releases often only reported on by wrestling journalists rather than formally announced by the company[2]. This change in policy has led to a more opaque environment for fans and media tracking such incidents.
AEW Quickly Capitalizes on a Major Free Agent
Andrade’s immediate free agency—unique among WWE departures—turned him into a hot commodity in the industry. AEW officials wasted little time, signing him to a new deal and booking him into a high-profile storyline on Dynamite. The speed of this transition left fans and insiders impressed, and it sent a clear message about AEW’s aggressive stance on talent acquisition.
An AEW backstage source told Wrestling Inc., “We knew he was available immediately, so we moved fast. With WWE’s release structure, this was an unexpected opportunity. We’re excited about what he can bring to our roster.”[2]
Implications for WWE’s Wellness Policy and Public Relations
WWE’s handling of Andrade’s dismissal marks a notable shift in how the company deals with Wellness Policy violations. In the past, public announcements served as a deterrent and maintained a sense of transparency with fans. Now, the absence of such transparency has created confusion and speculation, even as it enables WWE to avoid negative publicity.
Furthermore, the lack of a non-compete clause for Andrade could set a precedent for future departures involving disciplinary issues, raising new questions about the boundaries between contract law, internal policy, and talent mobility in professional wrestling.
Andrade’s Future: What’s Next for El Ídolo?
At just 35 years old, Andrade returns to AEW with momentum, intrigue, and the potential for fresh feuds. His brief second stint in WWE—from his Royal Rumble 2024 return to his September 2025 release—will be remembered for its abrupt ending, but his international star power remains undiminished. The Mexican superstar’s return to AEW’s main event scene, complete with a new storyline hook, suggests a significant push from the promotion and a new chapter for his career.
Conclusion: Wellness Violations, Immediate Free Agency, and the Changing Wrestling Landscape
Andrade El Idolo’s WWE release—sparked by multiple Wellness Policy violations—highlights both the strictness of WWE’s internal discipline and the shifting nature of contract enforcement in professional wrestling[1][4][5]. The fact that he was able to join AEW without the usual waiting period underlines the unique circumstances of his exit and the evolving strategies of top wrestling promotions in handling talent.
For fans, the takeaway is clear: Wellness violations have serious consequences, but the rules of free agency are changing. For WWE and AEW, the episode is a reminder of just how quickly fortunes can change—and how important it is to adapt in the high-stakes world of pro wrestling.
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Note: This article is based on multiple industry reports, including PWInsider, Wrestling Inc., and Sportskeeda, as well as attributed backstage sources for additional context and color[1][2][3].