Andrade El Idolo Explains Why He Left AEW in 2023, Says He Chose His Personal Life Over His Professional One

Ahead of his title defense at AEW WrestleDream, AEW National Champion Andrade El Idolo joined Close Up with Renee Paquette to discuss his career. Andrade opened up about exiting AEW in late 2023, explaining that he decided to leave and chose his personal life over his professional one due to his marriage to WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair at the time.

Flair and Andrade later divorced in early 2025. Later that year, Andrade’s WWE contract was terminated. He initially returned to AEW on Dynamite about a year ago.

However, WWE attempted to enforce a 12-month non-compete clause on his deal, and a cease-and-desist order was sent to AEW. The two parties eventually came to an agreement, and Andrade eventually made his AEW return in January of this year. Below are some highlights of Andrade discussing why he left AEW previously:

Andrade El Idolo on Why He Left AEW and Returned to WWE in 2024

“So personally was good, but professionally is a little sad because when my contract was expired in this moment so I need to pick a decision like I need to go for my personal life because I was married in this moment or my professional life. So I pick my personal life and need to make a decision, but I went with Tony [Khan] and say, ‘Thank you for the opportunity the contract expire, and I hope see you in the future, and I need to move so for my personal life, or for myself no for a better relation.’ So I always had good relationship with AEW.”

On Getting Another Opportunity To Rejoin AEW

“So now when now in this second opportunity or Tony give me this opportunity to back to AEW. So and you say yes, now is the moment to show who I am. They know how I need to pay Tony with my work in the ring. This is why I want to defend this title. This is why I am here. This I want to help the people in the locker room. I want to stay close with the like we say, with the boys. Play with the boys. I try; I am here to help the company. They want the best for this company. They want the best for me. I want to represent this company very well. This is how I need to pay Tony for this second chance, second opportunity.”

Andrade El Idolo defends his AEW National Title against Tommaso Ciampa later tonight at AEW Wrestledream 2026. Tonight’s event is being held at the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida. It will be broadcast live on pay-per-view.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit Close Up with Renee Paquette with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.