Backstage Update on Injury Status of Aleister Black

Aleister Black suffered a minor injury during his Ambulance Match on the January 2 episode of WWE SmackDown, but it is not expected to change WWE’s plans for him. Backstage reports confirm Black picked up a bruised tailbone during the loss to Damian Priest, though the issue is considered minor.

Black has been heavily featured on SmackDown since returning last year, including his rivalry with Priest and recent appearances alongside Zelina Vega. The two worked mixed-tag matches during the holiday tour, including bouts involving Rhea Ripley.

According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Daily Updates, the injury happened naturally during the match. However, he noted that Black was already scheduled to take time off anyway, despite the broken tailbone injury being “minor.” So this does not affect WWE’s current creative plans.

There is no official return date yet. For now, there is little cause for concern as the injury is minor.

Black won the NXT Championship from Andrade “Cien” Almas at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans and was called up to the main roster in 2019. He’s participated in the Royal Rumble and recently feuded with Miz. He’s known for his finisher, Black Mass.

Le projet de Damian Priest en 2026:
✅ Balancer Aleister Black du haut d'une ambulance.#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/xHnL7V2eRU

— WWE France (@WWEFrance) January 4, 2026