Yesterday news broke that backstage at last Monday’s Raw taping, Andrade officially requested his WWE release. At the time, it wasn’t known if the release was granted as although he had changed his Twitter handle from @AndradeCienWWE to @AndradeElIdolo, he was still listed on WWE.com. Now, Dave Meltzer has reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that his request was indeed denied.
WWE is under no obligation to let someone f of their deal early. In the past, multiple other unhappy wrestlers, including Brodie Lee, FTR, and Mike Bennett, all requested to be released from their contracts. However, WWE made them wait until it suited them and even added time to Brodie’s deal due to him being injured. In Andrade’s case, the issue is likely due to concern he would go to AEW, potentially alongside Zelina Vega, who Tony Khan has expressed interest in speaking with. If Andrade did go to AEW, he would be able to compete as Andrade as it’s his real name. Alternatively, he has the trademarks for “El Idolo” and “La Sombra,” his ring name before joining WWE.
The situation is fascinating due to Andrade being engaged to Charlotte Flair, who is very highly regarded by the company. Given her status, you would think WWE would be doing everything possible to keep her happy and Andrade by association. Interestingly, Charlotte has made preparations for her life away from WWE. In 2019 she trademarked “Ashley Flair,” a combination of her real name and her wrestling name.
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