Former WWE wrestler Andrade appeared on TV Azteca Deportes earlier today where he made perhaps his first detailed comments on getting released from WWE, returning to AEW and then getting pulled off TV due to an ongoing non-compete clause tied to his old WWE contract. Here's what he said, loosely translated from Spanish to English. Original video is below.
On why he left WWE
"It's a long story, a very long story. I returned to WWE a year and a half ago, almost two years ago. I was in AEW, and at that time I was somewhat happy earning millions but I was married. My wife's name was Charlotte Flair and she works in WWE and the idea was to return to WWE, to be with her, and a lot of things happened after that. We got divorced and I was not comfortable in some things, I had a wake-up call because many medicines and supplements that in Mexico can be consumed but not there. We have certain restrictions on medicines that require a prescription that we cannot consume as athletes because of doping and things like that. I was also a little annoyed."
On his departure from WWE, return to AEW
“I talked to WWE, we reached an agreement to leave WWE and we ended things in the best way possible at that time. Then I returned to AEW, I imagine WWE didn’t like it, I really don’t know. I’m very grateful to WWE. Since the lawyer I had is or was also my ex-wife’s lawyer, you can’t use the same lawyer anymore. The contract I signed, I don't know if the lawyer did not realize, it had a 12-month non-compete clause, and from there they used that clause and I had to hire a lawyer. Right now we are in that phase. It wouldn’t be a year, we’re negotiating. I’m going to be 3 months inactive and I can’t compete worldwide."
On WWE enforcing the non-compete clause
"At first I didn't have a clause, I could fight after leaving WWE. Then the clause came after they saw me debut in AEW. They enforced the non-compete."
On when he might be able to wrestle again
"My lawyers are already talking to the WWE lawyers, they're reaching an arrangement. I don’t know the exact date but hopefully it could be in a month or a week."
On the WWE non-compete clause
"I don't know if I understand, these are clauses you're signing. We can fight, we can go to court. The lawyers told me 'we're going to trial' but the process itself may be longer considering the expenses and the process and they are trying to negotiate to avoid going to court. They have reached a good agreement, the lawyers have a good response and I think soon, more or less. I have a date and the lawyer too, already signed. When WWE signs it, it is official, this is the day Andrade returns to the ring. Right now, I'm taking a break but also preparing to come back in the best way I can."
