Aleister Black Returns to WWE After AEW Stint

Aleister Black, formerly an NXT Champion, made a surprising return to WWE on Friday night’s SmackDown, held at the Dickies Arena.

Black’s appearance disrupted a segment with The Miz, who was lamenting his exclusion from WrestleMania in favor of last-minute additions such as Rey Fenix and Joe Hendry.

The Miz expressed his annoyance with emerging talents overshadowing him. Suddenly, the arena plunged into darkness, and Aleister Black’s signature entrance music filled the arena.

To resounding cheers of “Welcome back,” Black entered the ring and delivered a decisive Black Mass to The Miz.

Black’s last WWE appearance was almost four years ago. He was let go by the organization in June 2021, shortly after his television comeback to begin a new storyline with Big E.

After his release, Black, wrestling as Malakai Black, joined AEW, debuting at Dynamite: Road Rager in July 2021.

He then spearheaded the “House of Black” for several years, recruiting stars like Buddy Matthews, Brody King, and Julia Hart.

The faction experienced significant success, including a reign as AEW Trios Champions for Black, Matthews, and King, while Hart secured the TBS Championship as a singles competitor.

Black also sought singles titles in AEW, notably challenging Adam Copeland in a violent Barbed Wire Cage Match at Double or Nothing 2024 for the TNT Championship, but was unsuccessful.

Speculation about Black’s future arose late last year, with reports indicating his AEW contract was nearing its end. He officially became a free agent earlier this year.

Aleister Black now joins Rusev, Ricky Saints, and Rey Fenix in returning to WWE, after all four talents departed AEW within days of each other in early February, marking a significant talent acquisition for WWE.