AEW Denies Being in Current Negotiations with Aleister Black (Malakai Black) for Potential AEW Return

Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp reported that his sources within AEW denied recent rumors and reports of AEW currently being in negotiations with Malakai Black, former Aleister Black in WWE, for a potential return to the company.

This rumor originated from SEScoops’ Michael Reichlin who had reported that a source with direct knowledge of the discussions stated that Black and AEW are in talks regarding him potentially returning to the company.

Black had been with AEW from July of 2021 to February of 2025 and had returned to WWE for a second stint from April of 2025 until his release this past April.