A new update has emerged regarding Aleister Black and a possible return to All Elite Wrestling following earlier reports that discussions were taking place between the two sides.

Prior to Wednesday, several reports suggested that Black was not expected to re-sign with AEW after his recent WWE release. Black previously worked in AEW from 2021 until 2025 before departing the company to return to WWE.

Earlier in the day, a report claimed Black could potentially return to AEW once his 90-day noncompete clause expires and stated that negotiations were ongoing, although no agreement had reportedly been reached.

AEW Denies Negotiations With Aleister Black

However, Fightful Select later poured cold water on those claims.

According to Fightful, AEW quickly denied that there are currently any negotiations taking place between the company and Black. The report stated that after Fightful contacted AEW regarding the story, the promotion strongly pushed back against the idea that active talks were happening.

Despite that denial, Fightful noted there is still significant time remaining before Black’s noncompete clause expires, leaving open the possibility that discussions could eventually happen in the future.

While AEW reportedly denied active negotiations, Fightful also reiterated previous reporting that the relationship between Black and the company may not be completely damaged.

Questions surrounding a possible AEW return have continued due to rumors that circulated during Black’s previous run with the promotion. Those rumors included claims that he resisted losing matches, although many of those reports were never fully confirmed publicly.

The situation also became more complicated after at least two AEW personalities publicly suggested they would not welcome him back. MJF was among the names referenced in the report as someone who previously made comments indicating opposition to Black returning to the locker room.

Black was one of several wrestlers released by WWE following WrestleMania 42. His release came after a relatively short second stint with the company following his return from AEW in 2025.

At this stage, AEW is denying any current negotiations with Black, but with his noncompete period still ongoing, the possibility of future discussions cannot be completely ruled out.

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