WWE Rumor Roundup: Big push for veteran, former world champion called hard to work with, Roman Reigns willing to walk away, Aleister Black in AEW (8th July 2021)

#1 Reason why Aleister Black joined AEW just a month after being released by WWE

Our @davemeltzerWON is reporting that Black only had a 30-day non-compete, hence why he was able to appear tonight. ^JN https://t.co/uzjOxtOOIZ

— Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) July 8, 2021

Aleister Black was one of many superstars who were released by WWE as part of budget cuts this year. The former NXT Champion had been on the main roster and in the middle of a push when he was let go by WWE.

Aleister Black, now known as Malakai Black, made his AEW debut last night. Black surprisingly appeared on AEW Dynamite, attacking Cody Rhodes and the legendary Arn Anderson. What's even more surprising is that Black, who was released on June 2nd, 2021, jumped ship a month after his WWE release due to a clerical error, as noted by Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer.

"Meltzer states that Aleister Black was bound by a 30-day non-compete clause rather than the usual 90-day clause that most wrestlers need to adhere to. As a result, the former WWE Superstar was able to make his debut on AEW programming on Wednesday." (H/t: Abhilash Mendhe of Sportskeeda)

HOLY S**T ... Malakai Black ( @TommyEnd) has arrived in @AEW!Tune into #AEWDynamite NOW on @tntdrama pic.twitter.com/CgU959OPkI

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 8, 2021

Do you think Malakai Black can become a major name in AEW, or will he remain a mid-carder in the long run?