As previously reported, Aleister Black and his wife, Zelina Vega, were among the stars affected by the talent cuts that took place last week.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, sources within AEW do not believe that Black will be returning anytime soon. However, Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp mentioned that he was informed the relationship between AEW and Black is not considered to be completely severed.
Black wrestled in AEW from 2021 to 2024 under the ring name Malakai Black before returning to WWE in April 2025. Interestingly, AEW star and Extras Coordinator Shawn Dean publicly expressed his disapproval of the idea of Black potentially returning to AEW in a post on Threads. When someone suggested the idea, Dean replied, “No.”
Additionally, AEW star Max Caster shared a meme on social media saying, “We don’t want him!” This post was later reshared by MJF. Many fans believe that this comment was directed at Aleister Black, but this has not been confirmed.
Currently, Black and Vega are required to fulfill their 90-day notice period before they become unrestricted free agents. It remains to be seen if Black plans to revive his Malakai Black persona in AEW.