AEW insiders against prospect of Aleister Black's return after WWE exit - Report
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Aleister Black was part of the recent mass releases.
After his AEW exit, Aleister Black made his WWE return in April 2025 to kick off his second run in the company. During his feud with Damian Priest, WWE paired Black with his real-life wife, Zelina Vega.
While he was even penciled in to team up with Randy Orton during WrestleMania 42, WWE ultimately went with Pat McAfee. Post-WrestleMania, on April 24, Black and Vega both were released from the company, ending Black’s second stint in less than 12 months, with no major title run or memorable feuds.
Following his exit, many fans started speculating about Black’s return to AEW, with some even suggesting that Vega join the House of Black faction in AEW.
Also Read: All WWE superstars released after WrestleMania 42 so far
Aleister Black formed the House of Black with Buddy Matthews and Brody King
Responding to one such fan comment on Threads about bringing back the House of Black faction and adding Zelina Vega, AEW Extras Coordinator, Shawn Dean, simply responded with, “No.”
Furthermore, Dave Meltzer on the Wrestling Observer Radio revealed that people within AEW are against the idea of Aleister returning to the company. Meltzer noted that while he did not speak to CEO Tony Khan, the people that he spoke with were not fond of the idea.
Meltzer added that while the reaction to Andrade’s return was mixed, people inside the company are pretty negative towards the idea, with some even publicly expressing their opinion.
“From what I have heard, and you may have heard differently, that the idea of Aleister Black and AEW was not fondly thought out by the people I spoke with there. Now, I did not speak to Tony Khan.
Andrade was mixed. I know people there that were not high on Andrade at all and others who were. Black, from what I gathered, pretty negative. There were even people who publicly said that. That they were negative on Black.”
[H/T: Cultaholic]
Black signed with AEW in 2021 after his WWE exit and remained with the promotion until early 2025, when his contract with the promotion expired. During his run in the company, Black formed the aforementioned House of Black faction with Buddy Matthews and Brody King.
Is Aleister Black returning to AEW?
No, as of now, there is no update on his return, but Dave Meltzer, via WOR, has revealed that people within AEW are against the idea of Aleister returning to the company.
How many total talents were laid off after WrestleMania 42?
A total of 24 talents, including stars from the main roster and developmental programs, were laid off during the recent cuts.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.