3 former rivals Malakai Black must confront if he returns to WWE

Malakai Black was a pivotal figure during the early years of AEW, but it seems that he could be returning to WWE in the near future. Reports have started emerging that he's finishing up with All Elite Wrestling and is potentially headed back to WWE.

A report has mentioned that he has possibly departed Tony Khan's promotion and that his name has come up during WWE creative. Perhaps, the creative process to bring him in has already begun and we'd love to see who he'd face if he returns to the Stamford-based promotion.

Here are some of Black's former rivals who he should face confront if he does return to the Triple H-led wrestling promotion.

#3. The story between Seth Rollins and Malakai Black is unfinished in WWE

Seth Rollins has seemingly finished up his feud with CM Punk following his loss at the RAW season premiere on Netflix. He might need a change of direction or a fresh opponent to feud with, so what could be better than facing his past demons once Malakai Black returns?

Rollins' was one of the very first stars Malakai had feuded against on the main roster. The Dutch Destroyer would be tested at that time as the former WWE Champion was in his 'Messiah" phase and would even go as far as to poke Black's eye out.

The two stars can now switch dynamics with Malakai arriving as the heel to haunt and play mind games with Rollins this time. Perhaps, this feud can lead to showdown at The Showcase of the Immortals, if Malakai Black returns soon.

#2. Cody Rhodes could get destroyed by Malakai Black again

Cody Rhodes has been locked in a heated feud with Kevin Owens as the two have been fighting nonstop since Bad Blood. However, once Rhodes finishes up with Owens he may need a solid opponent to dance with in the ring.

One of Rhodes' most toughest rival from his time at AEW was Malakai Black who would destroy him two times in the ring in their three matches against each other. The American Nightmare would come out on top in their wildly entertaining match at Dynamite to close out the series.

Now, the two can step inside the ring with a clean slate and Malakai Black could set his sights on Rhodes' Undisputed WWE Championship once he returns. We're sure they can also call back on their history with each other and The Striking Man from Amsterdam can remind everyone that he had his number.

#1. AJ Styles and Malakai Black deserve to revisit their feud

AJ Styles has been on the shelf with a complex foot injury that he suffered in a match against Carmelo Hayes. The Phenomenal One is also due to return and needs an opponent to mix it up within the ring once he does.

If Malakai Black makes his grand return on the blue brand then perhaps he could confront AJ Styles and make it known that he's going to go after the veteran. Both stars had feuded with each other back in 2020 and would produce quality matches in the ring.

Styles would also become the first superstar to pin Malakai Black in his main roster run in WWE. We're sure that the former NXT Champion hasn't forgotten about it and could visit him again. But perhaps, this time both of them could tell a much intense story and bring out the very best in each other as they pull out new tricks from their arsenal.