Earlier this month, WWE released a number of big stars under the guise of "cost-cutting" measures. Despite the fact Aleister Black had only just returned to SmackDown to start feuding with Big E, he was among those fired, but he's since spoken positively about his time with the company.
Many have wondered whether he was just naive or leaving the door open to one day return, but in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer shed some light on Black's future plans.
He explains that "while not a done deal, and it can’t be until 8/31, the strong belief is that Tom Budgen, the former Aleister Black, is headed [to All Elite Wrestling]." That would be a huge win for AEW, but with the aforementioned non-compete clause in place, don't bank on hearing any official news on Black's in-ring status until the end of August at the very soonest.
Recently, Black's wife, former WWE Superstar Zelina Vega, was spotted at the WWE Performance Center. Now that her husband has been released, it will be interesting to see if she plans to sign a deal with them or follow Black - and Andrade - to Dynamite on Wednesday nights.
Keep checking back here for updates as we have them!