Backstage Update on Aleister Black Possibly Returning to AEW

As previously noted, there have been questions surrounding whether or not Aleister Black will return to AEW following his recent release from WWE last month. A new update from SEScoops and Mike Reichlin has an update on the former WWE NXT Champion and House of Black leader.

Per SEScoops report, Aleister Black (formerly Malakai Black in AEW, nee Tom Budgen) is said to be in active negotiations with AEW. Also, a source with direct knowledge of the discussions said talks between Black in AEW are happening, despite the rumors of Black possibly not being welcome back in AEW, or other wrestlers not wanting him to work there again.

Previously, Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio, “The idea of Aleister Black and AEW was not fondly thought out by the people I spoke with there.” Meltzer noted that he didn’t speak with company president Tony Khan on the matter.

SEScoops also notes that terms of a deal haven’t been finalized, and no agreement is in place. Additionally, Black is still currently under contract with WWE, and he will not be an unrestricted free agent until the 90-day period from his day of release is complete.

Will Aleister Black Return to AEW

Following Black’s latest WWE release, Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reported that he was told the bridge between AEW and Black was not considered to have been burned.

AEW wrestler and Extras Coordinator Shawn Dean previously expressed disapproval about Black making an AEW return in a post on Threads. When a user suggested the idea, Dean later replied, “No.” However, Also, AEW wrestler Max Caster shared a meme on social media of him saying, “We don’t him!” It was later reshared by MJF. Many fans believe the comment was linked to Aleister Black, but that hasn’t been confirmed (Available HERE).

It remains to be seen if Aleister Black will make an eventual return to AEW and possibly revive his Malakai Black persona. Black previously worked in AEW from 2021 to 2024.