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.

TNA Unbreakable 4/17/2025 (Results)

TNA Wrestling delivered a wild night in Las Vegas, with action-packed tournament matches and a emotional moment—capped off by Steve Maclin capturing the brand-new TNA International Championship.

Eric Young Advances with Strategic Brutality

In a chaotic semifinal bout, Eric Young outmaneuvered Johnny Dango Curtis and Zachary Wentz to punch his ticket to the tournament final. Early on, Young and Dango briefly worked together to slow down Wentz, but the Rascal’s agility kept him in the fight. The alliance crumbled when Young powerbombed Wentz straight into Dango, sending the latter crashing to the floor. With the opening created, Young nailed his signature piledriver on Wentz for the win.

Steve Maclin Survives Triple Threat Mayhem

The second semifinal saw Steve Maclin outlast Ace Austin and Eddie Edwards in a brutal three-way showdown. This was a true free-for-all, highlighted by Eddie’s unique spider suplex on Austin while hanging upside down in the corner. Just as Eddie looked to capitalize, Alisha Edwards tried to lend a hand—but her mistimed punch caught her own husband. Maclin wasted no time, hitting the KIA (double underhook DDT) on Eddie to move on.

Moose Spoils High-Flyer Showcase

Sydney Akeem (formerly Reggie in WWE) answered Moose’s open challenge and nearly pulled off the upset of the night. Akeem had a future X-Division title shot on the line and gave it everything he had, dazzling the crowd with athleticism. However, Alisha Edwards struck again—pulling the referee out just as Akeem was about to score the win. After Alisha was ejected, Moose hit a low blow followed by a thunderous spear to steal the victory.

The Hardys and Santana Send a Message

Matt and Jeff Hardy teamed up with Mike Santana in a six-man tag war against Nic Nemeth, Ryan Nemeth, and Mustafa Ali. The heels focused on isolating Matt, but once Jeff got the hot tag, it turned into a brawl all over the ring. Ali tried to flee after an accidental run-in with Santana, but the fiery Puerto Rican wasn’t having it—chasing him to the back. That opened the door for the Hardys to take control, with Santana returning to flatten Nic. Matt hit the Twist of Fate, Jeff followed with a Swanton Bomb, and Ryan Nemeth was toast.

Slamovich and Hendry Get Redemption

Joe Hendry and Masha Slamovich scored a big win over Frankie Kazarian and Tessa Blanchard, but not without some bizarre drama. Victoria Crawford (formerly Alicia Fox) was seen ringside and even grabbed Slamovich at one point, though it didn’t factor into the finish. Tessa tried to tee Slamovich up for a Kazarian strike, but Masha escaped, causing Kaz to inadvertently strike his own partner. Slamovich delivered a stiff head kick to Kaz, and Hendry sealed it with a Standing Ovation.

Santana vs. Ali Set for Falls Count Anywhere

Following Ali’s cowardly retreat during their tag match, Mike Santana had enough. Backstage, he cornered Santino Marella and demanded a Falls Count Anywhere match at Rebellion. Santino gave it the green light. Expect no hiding places for Ali this time.

Chris Bey’s Triumphant Return

In one of the night’s most emotional moments, Ace Austin welcomed his tag partner Chris Bey back to the stage. Bey, who suffered a serious neck injury 187 days ago, made a powerful return—walking out under his own power. Doctors once feared he wouldn’t walk again, but Bey proved otherwise. “Unbreakable” isn’t just a nickname—it’s a statement.

Carnage in Barbed Wire Massacre

Sami Callihan and Mance Warner unleashed hell in a violent Barbed Wire Massacre. Both men bled profusely, but Callihan crossed into sadistic territory—rubbing salt and lemon into Warner’s wounds. In the end, Callihan channeled his inner Foley, using a barbed wire Mr. Socko for a Mandible Claw, followed by a piledriver to secure the win.

Maclin Makes History in Triple Threat Final

The tournament finals saw Steve Maclin battle Eric Young and powerhouse AJ Francis. Francis dominated early with raw strength, but his aggression backfired when he missed a big boot and got hung up in the corner. That’s when Maclin struck—nailing a Tree of Woe spear, followed by the KIA DDT to finish off Francis and win the match. Maclin is now the inaugural TNA International Champion.

Final Words: Deletion Awaits?

Before the show went off the air, Matt Hardy threw down the ultimate challenge: inviting the Nemeth brothers to the Hardy Compound for DELETION. If they accept, things are about to get broken in more ways than one.

GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII Results

GCW held their event Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII Thursday night at the Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Here are results:

  • Leyla Hirsch def. Jordan Blade via TKO
  • Maika def. Karmen Petrovic via submission
  • Charlie Dempsey def. Shinya Aoki via TKO
  • Karrion Kross def. JR Kratos via submission
  • Pete Dunne def. Timothy Thatcher via submission
  • Natalya def. Miyu Yamashita via submission
  • Tavion Heights def. Royce Isaacs via TKO
  • Shayna Baszler def. Komani via TKO
  • Zack Sabre Jr. def. Jonathan Gresham via KO. The match went to a time limit draw, resulting in a five-minute overtime.
  • Gabe Kidd def. Josh Barnett via TKO

WWE WrestleMania 41 (Card) 4/19/2025 & 4/20/2025

WWE WrestleMania 41 PLE – Saturday April 19, 2025 and Sunday April 20, 2025 – 7 ET/4 PT – Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada

CARD

Night 1 – Saturday 4/19

  • Main Event – Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk w/Paul Heyman
  • World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Jey Uso
  • WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Charlotte Flair
  • WWE United States Championship: LA Knight (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
  • World Tag Team Championship: War Raiders(c) vs. The New Day
  • Rey Mysterio vs. El Grande Americano (Chad Gable)
  • Jade Cargill vs. Naomi

Night 2 – Sunday 4/20

  • Main Event – Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. John Cena
  • Women’s World Championship: IYO SKY (c) vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Penta vs. Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio
  • Sin City Street Fight: Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre
  • AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria & Bayley
  • Randy Orton vs. 

WWE Stand & Deliver 4/19/2025 (Card)

WWE NXT Stand & Deliver – Saturday April 19, 2025 – 1 PM ET/10 AM PT – T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada

CARD

  • NXT CHAMPIONSHIP: Oba Femi (c) vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Trick Williams
  • NXT WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Giulia vs. Jaida Parker vs. Jordynne Grace
  • NXT NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP: Ricky Saints (c) vs. Ethan Page
  • NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP: Fraxiom (Axiom & Nathan Frazer) (c) vs. Hank & Tank
  • NXT WOMEN’S NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP – LADDER MATCH: Zaria vs. Sol Ruca vs. Kelani Jordan vs. Izzi Dame vs. Lola Vice vs. Thea Hail
  • D’Angelo Family vs. Darkstate

WWE SmackDown Preview 4/18/2025

WWE SmackDown live Friday night on USA Network and Netflix International, beginning at 8:00 pm ET. from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV

  • Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
  • 6-Woman Tag Match: WWE Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green, Piper Niven & Alba Fyre vs. Zelina Vega, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance
  • WWE Tag team Championship: The Street Profits (c) vs. Motor City Machine Guns
  • John Cena returns to SmackDown

TNA Unbreakable 4/17/2025 (Card)

TNA Wrestling presents Unbreakable streaming LIVE at 10pm ET on TNA+ from the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas,

  • Barbed Wire Massacre: Mance Warner vs. Sami Callihan
  • TNA International Championship Tournament Semifinal Match: Eddie Edwards vs. Ace Austin vs. Steve Maclin
  • TNA International Championship Tournament Semifinal Match: Zachary Wentz vs. JDC vs. Eric Young
  • TNA Internatioanl Championship Tournament Finals: TBD vs. TBD vs. AJ Francis
  • Mike Santana & The Hardys vs. Mustafa Ali & The Nemeth Brothers
  • Joe Hendry & Masha Slamovich vs. Frankie Kazarian & Tessa Blanchard
  • TNA X-Division Champion Moose vs. TBD

TNA Impact: Countdown to Unbreakable Preview 4/17/2025

TNA Wrestling will present a new episode of Impact tonight on AXS TV, which serves as a Countdown special for Unbreakable.

  • Leon Slater vs. Brian Myers
  • Heather by Elegance & Maggie Lee vs. Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley
  • Xia Brookside vs. Jazmyn Nyx
  • Jakara Jackson vs. Dani Luna
  • Laredo vs. Jason Hotch
  • Elijah takes center stage

AEW Collision ‘Spring Break Thru’ Preview 4/17/2025

AEW Collision ‘Spring Break Thru’ airs live tonight on TBS and Max from the MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, Massachusetts.

  • ROH World Television Championship: Komander (c) vs. Nick Wayne
  • AEW TNT Championship: Adam Cole (c) vs. TBD
  • Mercedes Mone & Harley Cameron vs. Julia Hart & Kris Statlander (Toni Storm on commentary)

Darby Allin’s Everest Journey Off to a Strong Start — “Doing Great,” Says Expedition Team

AEW daredevil Darby Allin is pushing himself to the absolute limit — and this time, it’s not inside the ring. Allin’s highly anticipated expedition to climb Mount Everest is officially underway, and according to a recent update from his guiding team, the former TNT Champion is doing just fine on one of the most grueling physical challenges on Earth.

The update comes via Adventure Consultants, the mountain guiding company overseeing Allin’s journey. In their latest public check-in, posted on Wednesday, the team revealed that Allin and his fellow climbers gained an elevation of 530 meters during a three-and-a-half-hour hike from Pheriche to Chhukhung. The next step in their acclimatization process is a trek to a hill standing at 5,540 meters — scheduled for Thursday.

“Darby is doing great! … It was a nice and clear day with great views,” the guiding team shared in the update, providing a positive sign that the AEW star is adjusting well to the harsh conditions and intense altitude.

Allin’s climb began around April 10 and marks a major personal milestone. He’s spoken openly for years about his dream of summiting Everest, and while he originally planned to make the climb in 2024, a shoulder injury sustained at AEW Big Business forced him to delay. AEW has since given Allin ample time to prepare for the expedition, and by all accounts, his training and conditioning have paid off so far.

It’s worth noting that Everest is no small feat — even for experienced climbers. According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, most attempts take up to two months, and only about two-thirds of climbers make it to the summit. For those without extensive mountaineering experience, the odds drop significantly, especially if weather conditions worsen. Tragically, nine climbers lost their lives on the mountain in 2024 alone.

But if there’s anyone in pro wrestling you’d bet on to take on something this extreme, it’s Darby Allin. Known for throwing himself off ladders, crashing through barricades, and launching off stages with reckless abandon, Allin has built his entire career on defying limits. Now, he’s attempting to conquer the highest one on the planet.

No word yet on how far he intends to go in the coming weeks, but if his current progress is any indication, Darby Allin is more determined than ever to plant his flag — both as a professional wrestler and as an adventurer.

Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for more updates as Darby continues his incredible journey up Mount Everest.