Mysterious Return Teased for SmackDown – Is Aleister Black on His Way Back to WWE?

WWE might be gearing up for a major return next week on SmackDown, and all signs point to a familiar—and ominous—presence making his comeback.

During this week’s post-WrestleMania edition of SmackDown, fans were treated to the latest in a series of cryptic video packages that have been airing for weeks. But unlike the earlier teases, this one came with a clear date: April 25, 2025. The brief video flashed eerie images, including a masked figure bearing arcane symbols and an empty chair surrounded by flickering candles—classic dark, unsettling visuals that longtime fans might recognize as the calling card of Aleister Black.

The tease didn’t end there. After the video faded out, cameras cut to Zelina Vega—Black’s real-life wife—sitting on the turnbuckle and smiling knowingly. Vega was quietly moved to SmackDown in January, a move that at the time raised some eyebrows. Now, it’s looking more and more like WWE was laying the groundwork for Black’s return all along. The company often keeps real-life couples aligned on the same brand, which adds further fuel to the fire.

For fans who’ve been out of the loop, Black has spent the last few years in AEW under the name Malakai Black, leading the macabre faction known as the House of Black. His AEW run ended earlier this year after he reportedly requested his release due to creative differences. He was one of several notable names released around the same time, including former TNT Champion Miro (FKA Rusev) and rising star Ricky Saints (previously known as Ricky Starks), who was the reigning NXT North American Champion at the time of his departure.

Interestingly, both Miro and Black were heavily rumored to be potential last-minute replacements for Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 41 in a match against Randy Orton. With Black’s teased return date set for the SmackDown after WrestleMania, it looks like WWE decided to hold off on the surprise—possibly setting up a big post-Mania storyline instead.

Whether he arrives as the same man we last saw—or with a brand-new look and even darker edge—one thing is clear: the WWE Universe should brace itself for the return of something sinister next Friday.