WWE aired a mysterious vignette during SmackDown featuring a black background with smoke and the number 4 displayed. This cryptic presentation has sparked speculation regarding potential changes to The Wyatt Sicks faction.

The Wyatt Sicks, alongside their leader Uncle Howdy, have been absent from WWE television for a period of time. The stable was transferred to SmackDown during WWE’s first-ever Transfer Window.

The vignette shown this week bears similarities to visual elements previously used in Malakai Black’s entrance. The number 4 potentially references the current member count of The Wyatt Sicks, suggesting Black could be introduced as a fifth member.

Some speculation suggests Black might replace Uncle Howdy as the faction’s leader. Black’s experience with dark characters throughout his professional wrestling career aligns with the Wyatt Sicks’ mysterious aesthetic.

Malakai Black was reportedly released from AEW last month alongside Ricky Saints (formerly known as Ricky Starks) and Miro (formerly known as Rusev). Saints has already debuted on NXT, indicating Black could be next in line for a WWE return.

Black previously worked with House of Black in AEW, further supporting his potential fit with the supernatural-themed Wyatt Sicks storyline. His inclusion could reinvigorate interest in the faction as WrestleMania 41 approaches.

The Wyatt Sicks have not appeared on television since being drafted to the blue brand. Fans have anticipated their return to programming, particularly as WWE’s premier event draws closer.

This theory remains speculative at this point, as WWE has not officially confirmed any connection between the vignette and potential roster additions.

A new mystery vignette aired tonight.

‘4’

pic.twitter.com/16HUY3k5BC— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) March 14, 2025

LA Knight won the WWE United States Championship by defeating Shinsuke Nakamura in the main event of the latest SmackDown.

According to recent reports, Malakai Black is expected to sign with WWE and will likely be part of Friday Night SmackDown. His real-life wife, Zelina Vega, is currently part of the blue brand.

Speculation suggests that if Black makes his WWE comeback on next week’s SmackDown, he may confront Knight. This potential confrontation could lead to a match between these two performers.

A title change would introduce another unexpected development on the Road to WrestleMania 41 and potentially set up a rematch at The Show of Shows.

Some fans on the internet believe Black will be the next challenger for Knight. This remains speculative at this point.

WWE has not made any official announcements regarding Black’s signing or future plans for the United States Championship.

i’m sensing aleister black— Collision Cowboy (@collixioncowboy) March 8, 2025

Matt Hardy addressed the possibility of Malakai Black returning to WWE during The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast. Black has not appeared in AEW since the Full Gear pay-per-view event in November 2024.

Extremely talented individual. Very unique, he’s a niche performer which really stands out. That would not shock me at all. That would not surprise me at all. I feel like probably because of Malakai Black and him being the leader, I feel like the House Of Black has had a very strange relationship all through AEW while they’ve worked there. It’s been very off and on, right? Him showing back up in WWE, that’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility.

Reports indicate WWE officials have expressed interest in bringing Black back as a potential top roster member. Brody King recently trademarked “Hounds of Hell,” which fans speculate could be a new name for the House of Black without Black.

WWE Creative Developing Plans for Black

The Wrestling Observer reports WWE’s creative team has initiated internal discussions regarding Black’s potential return. Sources indicate Black’s AEW contract concludes before spring 2024, contrary to Tony Khan’s previous statement of a 2027 contract end date. The final two years were reportedly optional years.

Black continues to compete in singles matches outside of AEW programming. WWE sources confirm preliminary discussions about his return have begun, with expectations of his arrival when legally permitted.