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Kenny Omega Optimistic About Andrade's AEW Future Amid Contract Drama

Originally posted on The Sportster | By Kellie Crawford | Last updated Nov 21, 2025 10:54 PM ET

Kenny Omega optimistic Andrade will rebound after WWE non‑compete sidelines him.
Andrade returned Oct 1 to join the Don Callis Family, but WWE says a one‑year non‑compete bars AEW matches.
Omega recalls Andrade as La Sombra in NJPW, praising his talent and work ethic.

AEW star Kenny Omega is ever so optimistic. The talent, who is also one of the Executive Vice Presidents, recently spoke about Andrade’s short AEW return. As noted, Andrade was released from WWE in September, and then on October 1, he made his AEW return to call out Omega and join the Don Callis Family. Well, as most pro wrestling fans know, WWE stepped in, and Andrade can’t wrestle in AEW.

Kenny Omega Thinks Everything Will Work Out

It was thought that Andrade didn't have a non-compete clause, but instead, WWE revealed that he has a one-year non-compete clause. While speaking with SHAK Wrestling, Omega shared his thoughts on the situation, noting how everything would be alright. He said:

“To see him back in AEW was a happy moment for me because I felt he really wanted to be there and do well. So now that he’s been sidelined for a little bit, I can imagine that when he comes back, he’ll still have that same amount of motivation, I think everything will be alright. And of course when things happen, injury or otherwise, you have to pivot. The show must go on. It’s just the way it is. It’s the nature of the beast that is professional wrestling.” (F4WOnline)

So Omega is taking a positive spin on the whole contract drama. Andrade, on the other hand, keeps making headlines. As noted, Andrade left an event on November 7 due to being “unhappy.” The event was for The Crash Lucha Libre’s “XIV Aniversario,” mind you, Andrade is their heavyweight champion. Supposedly, the non-compete clause only applies in the United States, and this event was in Tijuana. So the drama does follow the former WWE star.

Kenny Omega Remembers Andrade While He Was In NJPW

Before he spoke about the situation, Omega recalled their history while they were both in New Japan Pro Wrestling, noting how Andrade went by the name La Sombra. It was a positive story. He said:

“Andrade and I have quite a bit of history, actually, when he was La Sombra in New Japan. This was during a time when luchador wrestlers didn't really go on prolonged tours with New Japan. It was kind of rare. He was just a guy who didn't speak much English or Japanese, and you could tell this guy's talent is through the roof. What a talented individual and a very nice young man, too.”

It will be interesting to see what happens next. Will Andrade return to AEW when he legally can? It would make his third return to the company...

This article first appeared on The Sportster and was syndicated with permission.

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