People within AEW reportedly happy about major star possibly leaving the company

AEW, along with the pro wrestling world in general, have kicked off 2025 with a bang in more ways than one. Unfortunately, these happenings are not always positive. Ahead of the next first-time-ever specials for Tony Khan's company, there is major chatter on backstage drama surrounding a top former WWE star potentially leaving AEW.

Malakai Black is once again involved in some sort of controversy surrounding his latest run. Rumors about the veteran grappler leaving AEW for WWE returned in recent weeks, but nothing is official as of now. Things picked up this past week when the 39-year-old returned to singles action against a familiar face outside of AEW, which came right as All Elite officials took a big step by urging Black's stablemates to take control of The House of Black on Dynamite and Collision.

The Anti-Hero was believed to be under contract through 2027 based on previous remarks by Khan, but word recently came down that the deal actually expires in 2025 because the last two years were options. Late last week, it was said that no one in AEW expects Black back, and those in WWE have believed he'll return once his deal expires. It was also revealed the WWE creative writing team had talks about the former World Trios Champion.

People within All Elite Wrestling are discussing Black's status, but while no one is confirming the pending exit, they're also not denying it and are basically ignoring some inquiries, according to The Wrestling Observer. Now, ahead of free agency, multiple sources are providing more surprising scoops on Black's status, but the more shocking reports indicate internal heat.

Sources who are discussing the Malakai Black situation have actually expressed positive thoughts on the 6-foot grappler potentially leaving AEW. Wrestling Observer Radio adds that many people see Black leaving as a "good" thing despite his talent, fanbase, and past success.

The former Aleister Black of WWE is not expected to be back on AEW TV, and while nothing has been confirmed, people within the company continue to report that he is gone. There's a narrative going around backstage that indicates people acknowledged Black's hard work in the ring, but it apparently came down to Black just wanting to return to WWE, where his wife, Zelina Vega, works. Black's desire to return to the Stamford-based promotion was described as "very clear" to others.

Black's last match came at AEW Full Gear on November 23. He and Brody King came up short in a Fatal 4 Way that saw Private Party retain the World Tag Team Championship. Malakai's last singles match came as a Dynamite loss to Adam Cole on November 6.

Potential timeline for AEW star Malakai Black returning to WWE

Malakai Black is rumored to return to WWE in the near future, joining his wife, Zelina Vega. It's likely that the international star will once again be billed as Aleister Black.

The Dutch Destroyer is expected to hit free agency sometime in February or March, but this timeline also has not been confirmed. However, it has been reported that Black's All Elite Wrestling contract does expire in 2025 and not 2027. Tony Khan previously stated that Black was signed through 2027, but sources now report that the final two years on the deal were options.

Black could potentially return to the WWE ring during WrestleMania 41 Season. He joined Tony Khan's company in July 2021, one month after ending his five-year run with WWE, where he had longtime supporters in Triple H and William Regal, among others.