With rumours swirling about Malakai Black‘s AEW departure, speculation is mounting that the wrestler could soon make his return to WWE.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there has been “evident” discussion about Black within WWE creative, though no official confirmation of his AEW exit has been made. Meltzer reported:
“There has been a lot of talk in the past two days about Malakai Black. The word backstage was that he was gone [from AEW], although in trying to confirm it, nobody would say anything. It’s been reported elsewhere, and one person close to the situation said they were confirming it to us, but when we asked officially, there was neither a confirmation nor a denial. Nobody expects him back. There was also talk from WWE that he was expected there when his contract expires. That’s been the case for a while, but evidently there has been talk in WWE creative about him of late.”
Black has been a prominent figure in AEW since joining the company nearly four years ago, leading the House of Black faction alongside Buddy Matthews, Brody King, and Julia Hart. Recent developments on Dynamite, including Will Ospreay’s victory over Matthews and his speech about the faction not needing a leader, have fuelled speculation of Black’s departure. Matthews also addressed Ospreay’s remarks in a post-show promo, suggesting a shift within the faction.
This Saturday, Black is scheduled to compete against Orion at a Coastal Championship Wrestling event in Florida. A potential WWE return would be Black’s first appearance with the company since his release in 2021, where he wrestled as Aleister Black and held the NXT Championship. His wife, Zelina Vega, currently competes for WWE on Raw.
Which Former WWE Talent Is Expected To Continue Working With AEW?
Former WWE ring announcer JoJo Offerman made her return to announcing at the December 4th episode of AEW Collision. Offerman did ring announcing for a dark match before the main show went live on TNT and Max and it has been reported that she is expected that she will continue to work for the wrestling promotion, although no further updates have been provided beyond this information.