"Aleister Black AEW talks spark uncertainty as reports and denials leave his return unclear for now"
Aleister Black’s wrestling future is in flux after his recent departure from WWE. Fans are asking whether the Dutch star will head back to All Elite Wrestling, where he once made his name as Malakai Black.
At the moment, no official agreement exists, and reports are mixed on how close a reunion really is.
Black’s release from WWE was confirmed in late April as part of a broader post-WrestleMania roster adjustment. His exit also included his real-life partner, Zelina Vega, along with several other names.
Negotiations, Denials and Uncertainty
Some outlets report that Black is in active talks with AEW about a return, despite earlier public claims to the contrary. Sources quoted in those reports say conversations are happening, though nothing has been signed.
At the same time, AEW has denied that it is currently negotiating with him. According to Fightful Select, when reached for comment, the company said there are no ongoing talks with Black right now.
In other corners of the wrestling world, insiders suggest AEW talent and personnel are not eager to see him back. Some reports say certain wrestlers expressed public skepticism about his previous run, pointing to backstage issues or creative frustrations from that era.
Jim Ross, speaking on his podcast, offered a measured take. He said he doesn’t believe Black completely burned bridges with AEW, but he also noted that the window of opportunity could be closing.
Ross highlighted questions about reliability and fit within the current roster environment.
What the Timeline Looks Like
Even if AEW and Black were aligned on terms, he may not be visible on AEW television immediately. Past reporting has highlighted a non-compete clause tied to his WWE contract, meaning he might not be cleared to appear on AEW programming until a set period has passed.
Black’s history makes this situation complicated. He made his AEW debut in 2021 and enjoyed a strong run before returning to WWE in 2025. That return lasted only about a year before his release in April 2026.
What This Means Going Forward
Right now, nothing about Black’s potential AEW comeback is solid. There’s talk, denials, and a backdrop of mixed backstage sentiment. For AEW’s part, the promotion hasn’t signaled a commitment either way.
Black remains one of the more intriguing free agents in wrestling, and his next move could still shift quickly. The story isn’t closed.
If AEW does choose to bring him back, it could revive his characteristic darker persona and open fresh booking possibilities. But as it stands, the door is slightly ajar at best, and decisions from both sides could still change the picture in the weeks ahead.
