Jim Ross addresses the possibility of Malakai Black returning to AEW

Aleister Black aka Malakai Black was among several WWE departures announced on April 24th 2026. While speaking on his podcast, Jim Ross addressed the possibility of Black being brought back to AEW…

“No, I do not [think bridges were burned]. But I think that his chances are running out. Trust is a big thing, man. I said this many times… reliability. Are you reliable?

There is, I’m sure, a small faction of some in the wrestling business that believe he’s missing something. And I say that I don’t disagree with that. He’s not missing his attire, his look, his work ethic. So whatever his downfalls are, they seem to be stimulated from things outside bell-to-bell. But I like the guy. I’d hire him in a heartbeat.” (quote courtesy of WrestlePurists.com)