Aleister Black Poised for WWE Return Next Week Amid WrestleMania Buzz

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Aleister Black is set to make his much-anticipated return to WWE on April 25, coinciding with the first episode of “WWE SmackDown” following WrestleMania 41.

Fans were left buzzing after a cryptic video aired during the recent episode of “SmackDown,” displaying the date “4.25.25” alongside a brief glimpse of a man in a mask adorned with strange symbols. The teaser also featured an empty chair encircled by candles, leaving viewers speculating about Black’s return. Following the video, Zelina Vega, Black’s wife, was seen sitting on the turnbuckle, clearly moved by the footage, which further fueled rumors of her husband’s comeback.

Black, formerly known as Malakai Black and a leader of the House of Black in AEW, left the promotion earlier this year after expressing creative differences. His departure coincided with releases of other notable talents, including Ricky Saints and Miro, both of whom have joined WWE. WWE’s tradition of keeping couples on the same brand has added more credibility to the speculation that Black is returning to the company.

The upcoming WrestleMania 41, hosted at Allegiant Stadium this weekend, offers a platform for major announcements and returns, making the RAW following the event a prime opportunity for WWE to unveil new storylines. WrestleMania itself has a storied history of surprising moments, including Brock Lesnar’s return and various title changes.

Black’s re-entry into WWE seems likely, especially given the excitement and potential of a post-WrestleMania crowd. His initial departure in 2021 led to a brief stint in AEW, where despite achieving some level of success, his experience did not meet expectations. Fans remain hopeful that this second opportunity in WWE will culminate in a more impactful storyline for the wrestler.

This year, the RAW after WrestleMania has historically been an event where WWE capitalizes on fan enthusiasm to introduce returning superstars. Notable returns have previously included Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar, elevating the excitement surrounding the event. Furthermore, with both Rusev and Lana recently seen in Las Vegas, the buzz surrounding their potential returns adds to the excitement.

Alongside Black, another name rumored to be making his way to WWE is Jeff Cobb, who has completed his commitments with New Japan Pro Wrestling. At 42, Cobb is expected to hit the main roster quickly, potentially making an appearance during the RAW following WrestleMania.

The Wyatt Faction, absent from the scene in 2025, might also return on the RAW after WrestleMania, particularly after teasing an alliance with Alexa Bliss. This would mark a significant shift for Bliss, who has lacked direction since her return from injury.

In the wake of these developments, WWE’s upcoming slate promises several surprises, with fans eagerly anticipating the potential outcomes of the post-WrestleMania shows. The introduction of new talents along with the returns of familiar faces like Aleister Black and Rusev could revitalize storylines and engage a worldwide audience.