As previously reported, there have been questions about whether Aleister Black will return to AEW following his recent release from WWE last month.
According to SEScoops, Aleister Black (formerly known as Malakai Black in AEW) is currently in active negotiations with All Elite Wrestling. A source with direct knowledge of the discussions indicated that talks between Black and AEW are ongoing, despite rumors suggesting he might not be welcome back in AEW or that other wrestlers may not want him to return.
The report also states that the terms of a deal have not yet been finalized, and no agreement is in place at this time. Additionally, Black is still under contract with WWE and will not be an unrestricted free agent until the 90-day period from his release is complete.
Dave Meltzer previously reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that the sentiment regarding Aleister Black's potential return to AEW was not favorable among those he spoke with, and he did not discuss the matter with company president Tony Khan. Following Black's release from WWE, Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reported that he was informed that the relationship between AEW and Black had not been irreparably damaged.
AEW star and extras coordinator Shawn Dean expressed his disapproval of Black returning to AEW in a post on Threads. When a user suggested the idea, Dean simply replied, “No.” Furthermore, AEW star Max Caster shared a meme on social media stating, “We don’t want him!” This meme was later reshared by MJF, leading many fans to believe it was directed at Aleister Black, although this has not been confirmed.
It remains to be seen whether Aleister Black will eventually return to AEW and potentially revive his Malakai Black persona. Black previously worked in AEW from 2021 to 2024.
