Following his WWE release last month, Andrade made an impactful return to AEW on Dynamite by aligning with the Callis family and starting a feud with Kenny Omega. However, it’s been two weeks since and the much maligned star has essentially disappeared with no explanation. It appears we may have answer why.

According to multiple sources, a potential legal situation with WWE is what is preventing Andrade from appearing on AEW TV – specifically as it relates to a non-compete clause.

PWInsider.com reported that when Andrade was “cut outright” due to a Wellness Policy violation, the assumption – even with WWE – was that he was not going to be paid for the next 90 days and was free to sign elsewhere. As a result, Andrade made appearances in Mexico as well as returning to Dynamite.

However, it appears WWE has clarified to Andrade and/or his reps that even though he is not under the traditional 90-day non-compete, there is still a period of time where he would ineligible to perform for other wrestling promotions. The timeframe of that is unknown.

A WWE source noted that the reason the company has this in place is to prevent a wrestler from using that loophole to get released and immediately start working for another promotion. In other words, if there was no non-compete, an athlete could violate WWE’s Wellness Policy, get their release, and then show up somewhere else the very next day. Obviously, WWE was not going to allow this sort of loophole to exist.

Andrade is scheduled to work in Puerto Rico this weekend, but the belief is that due to this wrinkle, he will not be appearing nor will he be appearing for any wrestling promotion for any activity unless he is actually free and clear of his WWE situation.