Recently released WWE superstar Aleister Black, known as Malakai Black during his All Elite Wrestling tenure, is once again at the center of conflicting industry reports. A recent report from SEScoops indicated that Black was in active negotiations to return to AEW, a move that would mark his third direct jump between the two major promotions since 2021.
However, this claim was quickly disputed by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, who reported that AEW officially denied being in negotiations with the former House of Black leader.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, current morale backstage at AEW is considered the strongest it has been in years. Introducing Black back into that environment has the potential to cause unease among existing talent.
During his previous run with the company, several members of the roster were reportedly unhappy with Black's booking arrangements. Criticisms centered on his protective stance over his win-loss record and a perceived unwillingness to take pinfalls to elevate other wrestlers.
Furthermore, frustrations stemmed from the open secret that Black’s heart was elsewhere. Once Triple H assumed creative control of WWE, Black’s desire to return to his former employer became apparent, creating friction in an AEW locker room dedicated to the promotion’s success. While Black possesses undeniable in-ring talent and a captivating character, his prior departure left a lingering sour taste for many AEW originals.
With Fightful confirming AEW's denial of ongoing talks, it appears the company is prioritizing its current backstage harmony over a high-profile return.