Report: Aleister Black STILL Expected To Join AEW

Despite reported WWE interest, Tommy End appears to be AEW bound.

Aleister Black AEW
WWE

"I certainly have heard, at one point, not many days ago, to expect him in AEW."

This is what Dave Meltzer had to say on Tommy End during the Mailbag segment of today's Wrestling Observer Radio, answering a question on the former Aleister Black's wrestling future amidst reported WWE interest in bringing the Dutchman back.

Meltzer pointed out that AEW can't legally strike a deal with End until his 90-day non-compete clause expires on 31 August. End was one of six WWE wrestlers let go in the company's latest round of "budget cuts" on 2 June, with Braun Strowman, Lana, and Buddy Murphy also amongst the group.

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PWInsider's Mike Johnson reported last week that WWE officials were still discussing bringing Black back into the fold. Johnson had previously reported on the internal clamour to see Black return, with those pushing for it doing so as they believe he was "cut too soon."

In the event of a WWE return, Black would be following in the footsteps of Samoa Joe, who has re-signed with the promotion after being let go in April's round of roster cuts. Joe is now working as William Regal's enforcer on NXT.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.