Summary

AEW has denied that it is currently negotiating with Aleister Black, the wrestler who previously worked in the promotion as Malakai Black.

That denial follows another report that claimed Black was in active talks with AEW. Black was released by WWE on April 24 after returning there following his AEW run from 2021 through 2025.

Black's recent AEW history

During his previous stretch with AEW, Black held the AEW Trios Championship alongside Brody King and Buddy Matthews. The latest update also arrives not long after Jim Ross said he would bring Malakai Black back to AEW, which added to the recent discussion around his next move.

What this means for Aleister Black and AEW

Aleister Black's immediate AEW future looks less certain after the company's denial, which cools the idea that a return is already moving forward behind the scenes. For now, the clearest takeaway is that Black remains a notable free agent name, but there is no confirmation that an AEW comeback is in motion.

Sources

As reported by Fightful and SEScoops.