Report: Planned Date Of Malakai Black's WWE Return Revealed

Fans will have to wait a little while longer for Malakai Black to make his return to WWE TV.

According to PWN, Malakai Black is not expected to return to WWE before WrestleMania 41. Instead, the former NXT Champion is expected to appear on WWE programming for the first time since 2021 on the post-WrestleMania 41 edition of Friday Night SmackDown from the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

Black's return was hinted at on the March 14 episode of SmackDown as he appeared to be shown in a vignette on the show, as was another former AEW talent in Rey Fenix who is expected to debut within weeks.

Malakai Black officially departed AEW upon the expiration of his contract in February 2025, with it emerging that WWE plan to push the 39-year-old as a potential major singles star. Black was expected to be assigned to Friday Night SmackDown, particularly as his wife Zelina Vega wrestles on WWE's blue brand.

Malakai Black previously performed for WWE from 2016 until 2021. He had supporters in the company in Triple H and Paul Heyman. Triple H is now WWE Chief Content Officer, while Paul Heyman remains a key creative figure behind the scenes.

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