Andrade is Free at last!

REPORT: Andrade Cleared to Sign with AEW Following Resolution of WWE Legal Dispute

December 22, 2025

The “Tranquilo” era is officially back on track. Following a tumultuous three months of legal uncertainty, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reports that Andrade El Idolo is now officially eligible to sign with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and any other promotion of his choosing. Rush introduced Andrade to an attorney and rep that helped get the year-long non-compete waived.

More details on how it all happened are up now for Select subscribers.

The news comes as a major relief to fans and the wrestler alike, ending a "cease and desist" saga that saw Andrade vanish from television just as he was beginning a high-profile program with Kenny Omega.

The Roadblocks: Wellness Violations and a 12-Month Ban

The saga began in September 2025, when Andrade was released from WWE. While most WWE releases carry a standard 90-day non-compete clause, Andrade’s exit was classified as a "firing for cause" due to multiple wellness policy violations. Under the terms of the TKO-era WWE contracts, this triggered a massive 12-month global non-compete clause. 

Unaware of the full enforcement of this clause, or perhaps believing he had negotiated a workaround, Andrade made a shock return to AEW on the October 1st episode of Dynamite. However, WWE legal quickly intervened, sending a cease-and-desist letter to AEW that forced the company to pull him from all upcoming tapings and promotional material. 

A Settled Score

For the past two months, Andrade’s legal team has been in deep negotiations with WWE to reduce the one-year sentence. According to today's update, a settlement has finally been reached. 

While the exact terms of the settlement remain behind the Fightful Select paywall, the results are already visible on the global stage:

• Global Freedom: Earlier today, Andrade appeared via video at NJPW’s "Road to Tokyo Dome" event, confirming he will compete at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026. 

• AEW Readiness: With the legal hurdles cleared, Andrade is no longer "on ice." Sources indicate he is now free to formalize a contract with Tony Khan.

What’s Next for the Don Callis Family?

Andrade’s initial return saw him align with the Don Callis Family, participating in a brutal beatdown of Kenny Omega. With AEW's Worlds End pay-per-view scheduled for December 27, rumors are swirling that "El Idolo" could make his televised return as early as this week to pick up exactly where he left off. 

For Tony Khan, the timing couldn't be better. Securing Andrade as a full-time roster member heading into 2026 adds another world-class athlete to the mix just as the company prepares for its biggest year yet on Max.

Credit: Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select / Floodshot_ on Twitter