Another day, another development in the ongoing contract drama of Andrade El Idolo. As we announced yesterday, Andrade was going to make his New Japan return on January 4, 2026. This announcement turned heads as Andrade is scheduled to compete in a Special 10-Man Tag against the Bullet Club War Dogs, featuring AEW’s Gabe Kidd. Andrade’s return to NJPW would be the first time he competed against an AEW talent since WWE sent Tony Khan a cease-and-desist. Now, it appears Andrade is no longer held to a non-compete, thanks to AEW’s Rush. So, will Andrade make an AEW return after all?
Andrade’s Non-Compete in the United States Ends
When Andrade announced his New Japan return, many people reasoned that this was allowed since the former husband of Charlotte Flair would be wrestling in Japan.
It was just weeks ago when WWE doubled down on Andrade’s non-compete by denying him the chance to wrestle in the continental United States. However, WWE waived Andrade’s non-compete so he could wrestle for Carlos Colon’s WWC in the US territory of Puerto Rico.
However, Andrade no longer needs to jump through these hoops. La Sombra is officially a free agent and can now wrestle anywhere.
RUSH Helps Andrade with Lawyer
Andrade made it clear when he left WWE that he intended to find a way out of his non-compete. Since the luchador was fired from WWE, he wasn’t allowed to wrestle in the United States. That’s why Tony Khan had to cut ties with Andrade earlier this year.
With Andrade desperate to get back to work, he enlisted the help of his friend, RUSH. The brother of WWE’s Dragon Lee introduced Andrade to his lawyer. RUSH’s lawyer, in turn, was able to get WWE to lift the non-compete.
Will Andrade Return to AEW?
Now that Andrade is a free agent, he can legally return to AEW television whenever Tony Khan decides to use him. Currently, Andrade is teaming with The United Empire to face The Bullet Club War Dogs at Wrestle Kingdom 20.
This partnership is interesting, as Andrade last appeared on AEW TV to attack Kenny Omega and side with Don Callis. However, The United Empire is at odds with Don Callis in New Japan storylines. So, it will be interesting to see how AEW uses Andrade if Tony Khan decides to re-sign the controversial Superstar.
In the meantime, Andrade isn’t wasting time securing American bookings. Master P’s House of Glory just announced Andrade El Idolo will be at their No Turning Back event in New York on February 20, 2025.
Perhaps he will butt heads with HOG Crown Jewel Champion, Zilla Fatu, who is currently embroiled in a rivalry with NXT’s Ricky Saints!