Andrade Denies WWE Release Rumors, Addresses Non-Compete

Andrade El Idolo, the former WWE United States Champion, has publicly denied rumors that he ignored communications or missed scheduled appearances during his second stint with the promotion, which ended with his release in mid-September 2024. In an interview with Eduardo Bates, the Mexican wrestler described the circumstances of his departure as a complex story but expressed no regrets, emphasizing his gratitude for the roughly 18 months he spent with the company.

Andrade returned to WWE at the 2024 Royal Rumble, marking the start of a brief comeback after his initial run from 2018 to 2021. He explained that personal factors, including his then-marriage to fellow wrestler Charlotte Flair, influenced the decision to rejoin. However, the couple later divorced, and Andrade cited discomfort with certain aspects of his role, including restrictions on medications and supplements legal in Mexico but prohibited in the United States due to anti-doping rules. "I was in AEW, and at that time, I was happy earning millions, but I was married," Andrade said. "The idea was to return to WWE, to be with her, and many things happened. We got divorced, and I was not comfortable in some things."