Ten WWE Superstars were released by the company yesterday, but perhaps the biggest surprise was the fact Aleister Black wasn't among them. It's no secret that the former NXT Champion has been unhappy with the way he's been booked on the main roster - as have fans - but the writing appeared to be on the wall when Zelina Vega (Black's real-life wife) was released.
According to PW Insider, there are no plans for Black to be released at the present time.
They reveal that he's actually been filming promos this week ahead of a return to TV, and those are reportedly about his childhood (WWE appear to be adding some layers to his character).
When Black was part of RAW, then-Executive Director Paul Heyman made pushing him a priority, but Vince McMahon soon pulled the plug on that. We haven't actually seen Black on TV since he was drafted to SmackDown last year...his disappearance also coincided with Vega leaving the company.
There's no word on a return date for Black, but it's clear WWE does now have plans for him. As a result, even if he wants to be released, that won't be happening for the time being. It's a little strange when Vince seemingly has little interest in his persona, but something could very well have changed.
We'll keep you updated.