Update on Aleister Black’s WWE hiatus after Ambulance match against Damian Priest & Leon Slater's appearance on SmackDown

Aleister Black has been absent from WWE programming.

In the showdown on the first Friday Night SmackDown of 2026, Aleister Black and Damian Priest locked horns, looking to conclude the feud once and for all. The two battled in an Ambulance match in the main event of the January 2 show.

With assistance from Rhea Ripley, who neutralized Zelina Vega at ringside, Damian Priest was able to dismantle Aleister Black and secure the victory, decisively bringing the storyline to a close. Since the loss, Black has been absent from WWE programming.

Aleister Black has been written off TV after the match

Amid speculations from fans of Aleister Black’s absence, PWInsider reports that Black’s absence from WWE television is an intentional, storyline-based decision designed to emphasize the impact of the ambulance match.

Although Black left the match feeling sore, he was not injured severely enough to prevent him from appearing on TV if needed.

The report also notes that Black has not been involved in WWE’s current European tour, further supporting the idea that his time off is a planned creative break rather than an extended injury-related absence. As of now, there is no confirmed update on his return timeline.

Leon Slater’s appearance on WWE SmackDown

TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater was set to defend the title in a triple threat match at TNA Genesis 2026. However, the match was scrapped due to visa issues, and Joe Hendy replaced Slater in the match, which was changed to a non-title triple threat match

Last Friday’s SmackDown in London, England, Carmelo Hayes, as usual, issued an open challenge for the United States title, which was answered by Leon Slater.

Slater ultimately lost to Hayes in an incredible match that had the London crowd on the edge of their seats. Many fans believed WWE intentionally pulled Slater from the Genesis card to have him appear on SmackDown.

Now, a report from Fightful Select has shed some light on the situation, providing clarity for fans. According to the report, Slater was never intended to be part of WWE’s UK tour. The 21-year-old was originally booked for TNA Wrestling commitments, including the January 15 episode of TNA on AMC and the Genesis PPV.

However, those plans were derailed by visa issues, which prevented Slater from traveling from the UK to the United States. Instead of letting the unexpected situation unravel, TNA officials reached an agreement that allowed WWE to feature Slater on SmackDown in London, transforming a logistical problem into a high-profile opportunity for the young star.

Slater’s sudden appearance also fueled online speculation about a potential working relationship or talent swap between the two promotions, with some fans even suggesting the move could be linked to a WWE star, particularly AJ Styles, making a return to TNA. Styles notably made an appearance during the Impact debut on AMC last week.

However, those rumors were quickly dismissed as sources emphasized that no trade was involved, and that Slater’s match on SmackDown was simply a standalone arrangement rather than part of any ongoing collaboration between the two companies for talent exchange.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.