Aleister Black is set to return to the ring for the first time since his WWE departure after being announced for three Progress Wrestling events in the United Kingdom.
Progress has confirmed Aleister Black, advertising him under his former AEW name, Malakai Black, for its upcoming Odyssey Tour, with the former NXT Champion scheduled to appear at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on September 4, O2 Academy Leeds on September 5 and O2 Ritz Manchester on September 6.
The promotion described the appearances as Black’s first matches back on the independent scene, adding:
“He’s held gold in every major company he’s set foot in.”
Black has not wrestled since being released by WWE on April 24 alongside his wife, Zelina Vega. His match in Edinburgh is therefore expected to mark his first in-ring appearance in more than four months.
The 41-year-old recently unveiled a significant change to his appearance, shaving his head before debuting the new look in a vignette released last week. He used his former Tommy End name in the video, although Progress is advertising him as Malakai Black for the Odyssey Tour.
Aleister Black’s Short Second Tenure With WWE
Aleister Black returned to WWE in 2025 following four years with AEW. During his second WWE run, he was regularly featured on television and worked programmes with Damian Priest and Randy Orton before becoming involved in segments and matches with Sami Zayn and Matt Cardona.
His feud with Priest also saw him paired on-screen with Zelina Vega. With assistance from his wife, Black defeated Priest in a Last Man Standing match before both were released by WWE several months later.
Questions have subsequently emerged over whether Black could return to AEW following his WWE departure. Conflicting reports surfaced in May regarding the possibility, including claims that there was resistance to bringing him back due to the perception that he wanted to return to WWE during his previous AEW run.
MJF has also publicly criticised Black’s first spell with the promotion, while Jim Ross said on Grilling JR that he believes Black’s chances of returning to AEW are diminishing, pointing towards reliability as a potential concern.
Some fans have speculated about Black potentially appearing at AEW All In at Wembley Stadium on August 30. However, there have been no reports connecting him to the event.
For now, Black’s confirmed return will take place with Progress Wrestling in September. His plans beyond the three announced Odyssey Tour appearances have not been revealed.
