Brand Malakai Black Will Join Upon WWE Return Revealed
PWNexus reports Malakai Black likely headed to SmackDown upon WWE return, potentially reuniting with wife Zelina Vega on same brand.
Reports suggest Malakai Black may be assigned to the SmackDown brand when he makes his WWE return. PWNexus has corroborated earlier Wrestling Observer Newsletter information about the former Aleister Black’s potential brand destination.
As reported originally by WON, I can also say we’ve heard from those within WWE that it is expected that Malakai Black is headed to the SmackDown brand upon his return.
The report does not confirm whether Black has officially signed with WWE. Timing details regarding his potential debut remain unclear.
I still have no clear indication if this will happen before WrestleMania or post-WrestleMania, or if the deal has been signed on the dotted line yet.
Black’s wife Zelina Vega currently performs on the SmackDown roster, making this placement logical from a talent relations perspective. WWE typically assigns married couples to the same brand to simplify travel logistics.
Ringside News has confirmed that brand assignments are generally finalized after contracts are signed, suggesting these reports may be preliminary.
The 38-year-old Black previously worked for WWE from 2016 to 2021 as Aleister Black before his release. He most recently competed for All Elite Wrestling under the Malakai Black name, leading the House of Black faction.
WWE has not made any official announcements regarding Black’s contract status or return timeline.