Report: WWE Creative Had No Long-Term Plans For Aleister Black Vs. Big E
WWE stopped taking creative pitches for Aleister Black prior to his release.
WWE had no long-term creative plans for Aleister Black vs. Big E prior to the former's release from the company, according to Fightful Select.
The report states that there was no endgame for Black's pre-departure program with E, which kicked off when Aleister returned to SmackDown for its 21 May episode and was due to restart this coming Friday, per the Dutchman himself.
Those involved in putting the E vs. Black feud together had no idea that Aleister was going to be cut from the company. In addition, the write-up notes that the creative team were recently told to stop pitching ideas for the former NXT Champion, with no explanation given.
Speaking on a Twitch stream within hours of his WWE release, Black claimed to have a "good relationship" with Vince McMahon, adding that the WWE chairman was praised for his creativity (h/t Figure Four Online/The Wrestling Observer for the transcription):-
“Being on the main roster, in all my conversations with Vince, he was always positive. I had a good relationship with Vince. I always told him how I felt and he respected that about me. He always praised me on my creativity and manners of respect but being honest about how I felt. From my point of view, I always felt Vince was always high on me. ”
Black was one of six WWE release cut by the company yesterday, with Braun Strowman, Lana, Santana Garrett, Buddy Murphy, and Ruby Riott also let go. If bound by a standard 90-day non-compete clause, these people will be free to sign with other promotions from 31 August.