Add as a preferred source on Google Aleister Black’s next move after WWE may not be a return to AEW.
Black was among the names who departed WWE during the company’s post-WrestleMania 42 roster cuts. Fightful reported that Black had left WWE, while Zelina Vega confirmed the departure on Twitch. Black last wrestled on the April 17 episode of SmackDown in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
According to WrestleVotes Radio, the current belief within AEW is that Black will not be returning to the company anytime soon. The report stated that even people who remain close with Black would caution against expecting him back in AEW in the foreseeable future.
This follows a previous update from Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, where he said the reaction he heard from people in AEW regarding Black potentially returning was “pretty negative.” Meltzer also noted that he had not spoken to Tony Khan about the situation.
Black previously worked in AEW as Malakai Black from 2021 until his contract expired in February 2025. He led the House of Black alongside Brody King, Buddy Matthews and Julia Hart, with the group winning the AEW World Trios Championship in 2023.
During his latest WWE run, Black was featured on SmackDown throughout 2026, including programs with Damian Priest, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn and Matt Cardona.
Zelina Vega said after her own release that she is under a 90-day non-compete clause, meaning she will not be able to return to pro wrestling immediately. There has been no confirmed next destination for either Black or Vega.