Backstage Update On Aleister Black's WWE Status

What's going on with Aleister Black, who hasn't been seen on WWE TV since October?

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Five months have elapsed since Aleister Black last wrestled on WWE television, and it doesn't sound like the Dutchman will be making it out of purgatory anytime soon.

Speaking on today's episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer stated that unless Vince McMahon decides he likes Black between now and his contract running out, the former NXT Champion isn't going to be used.

The 35-year-old's last televised WWE match was a loss to Kevin Owens on the 12 October 2020 episode of Raw. Black was sent to SmackDown as part of the 2020 WWE Draft that same night, though he is yet to appear for the blue brand.

There's currently no word on how long Black is signed to WWE for. He joined the promotion back in October 2016, at a time when WWE was typically locking wrestlers down to five-year deals, though the terms of Aleister's agreement have never been disclosed, and he may have signed an extension since then.

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November saw Black's wife, the former Zelina Vega, released from WWE for failing to adhere to the company's demand that talent cede control of their accounts on certain third-party platforms. PWInsider have reported that Black's televised absence isn't related to this.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.