The Problem With Aleister Black That No One Wants To Talk About

The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer reported in November 2020 that "the people in charge don't see anything in [Black]." At this point, Aleister was a month-and-a-half into what would eventually become a half-year absence from television, kicking off following his last, definitive loss to Owens that October.

Black's wife, Zelina Vega, left the company during this period. Officially cut loose for "breach of contract" after refusing to adhere to the promotion's crippling new restrictions on third-party revenue streams, she ultimately chose a side hustle that was likely making her more money than her day job. Naturally, Vega's departure led to speculation on her husband's status in the company.

An optimist may have viewed Black's six-month hiatus as an opportunity to refresh himself, reconfigure his character, and recuperate the "minor injuries" he was reportedly dealing with during his downtime. From the same perspective, Tales of the Dark Father could be seen as a sign of WWE finally getting Black right.

History suggests that it won't be. In all likelihood, the former NXT Champion's course hasn't changed. The initial intrigue will wear off, the holding pattern will return, and depressingly - predictably - Aleister Black will be forgotten about by a boss that doesn't understand him.

Again.

CONT'd...