PWInsider is reporting that Aleister (Malakai) Black has been seen backstage at the Dixies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas ahead of tonight’s WWE SmackDown.
WWE has been airing vignettes over the the past several weeks teasing Black’s return. The most recent was during last week’s episode with the date of 4.25.25. It showed smoke rising as images flashed, ending with today’s date.
Black left AEW earlier this year, with his last match taking place on the February 19 episode of Dynamite in a loss against Adam Cole. After the match he hugged Cole, thus beginning speculation Black was on his way of the company. Soon after that match, AEW began doing backstage segments with Julia Hart, Brodie King and Buddy Matthews moving on without their leader of the House of Black. The three have since formed the new Hounds of Hell faction.
Nathan Frazer and Axiom also posted to social media earlier on Friday, they are backstage at tonight’s show as well.
The current lineup for tonight’s show is as follows:
-WWE United States Women’s Championship Match: Chelsea Green defends against Zelina Vega.
-WWE Tag Team Championship Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match: The Street Profits are set to defend the WWE Tag Team Championships against #DIY and the Motor City Machine Guns
-Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena to appear
-Randy Orton to appear
Live coverage of tonight’s WWE SmackDown will begin at 8:00 pm ET.