Malakai Black appears poised for a WWE return following his exit from AEW earlier this year. According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the former NXT Champion’s comeback is expected “imminently.”
During his initial WWE run from 2017 to 2021 as Aleister Black, he captured the NXT Championship and won the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic before moving to the main roster. His 2021 release shocked fans, leading to his four-year stint in AEW under the Malakai Black persona.
Black recently fueled speculation about his WWE return by sharing a fan-made highlights video of his WWE career on Instagram Stories. While he didn’t directly comment on his future plans, this social media activity follows a pattern of subtle hints. Before the 2025 Royal Rumble, he similarly posted footage of himself watching an old Rumble match, generating expectations of a surprise appearance that didn’t materialize.
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The latest report from Meltzer now suggests these hints weren’t merely coincidental but rather deliberate teases for an actual return. The timing makes particular sense given Black’s personal connections to WWE – his wife Zelina Vega currently performs there, making a return beneficial both professionally and personally.
WWE’s creative direction under Triple H’s leadership presents an ideal environment for Black’s return. Having thrived during his NXT tenure when Triple H directed the brand, the current WWE creative landscape potentially offers Black the opportunity to showcase his character work and in-ring abilities with greater creative freedom than during his previous main roster run.
While no specific date has been confirmed for his debut, the imminent nature of the report suggests fans should watch WWE programming closely in the coming weeks for Black’s potential reemergence.
