WWE Rumor Roundup - Mystery hand spotted at Hell in a Cell, Big name headed to AEW, Details of a 'poorly kept' Brock Lesnar secret revealed (21st June 2021)

#4. Will Aleister Black return to WWE or join AEW?

A story broke out not too long ago stating that WWE was planning on re-signing Aleister Black. The former NXT Champion was one of the surprising names released recently, and reports noted that officials felt it was a mistake letting go of the Dutch Superstar.

During a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer revealed that Aleister Black is still expected to sign with AEW. Meltzer explained that WWE would have to re-sign Aleister Black, similar to Drake Maverick's case, if they wished to get him back. WWE re-hired Maverick last year for less money as he was in NXT.

"They would have to re-sign him… like with Drake Maverick. Given that he went back to NXT makes me think that they probably re-signed him for less money because I know that a lot of guys over the years have then been offered new contracts for far less money and very few of them go back," Meltzer stated.

Meltzer added WWE could always offer Black more money. The expectation, however, is for Black to be AEW-bound, and an official deal can only be discussed in August after his non-compete clause ends.

WWE can legally negotiate a new deal with Black in the meantime, but fans should not be hopeful that anything substantial will happen.

"Maybe they'll give [Aleister] the same money… Unofficially because you're not allowed to negotiate, I certainly have heard at one point not many days ago that to expect him in AEW. Officially there's no deal; there can't be a deal until the end of August, so we'll see. [WWE does] have exclusive rights to negotiate with him right now as far as legally goes... but he is not bound to have to come back," Meltzer said. H/T: WrestlingNewsCo

As things stand, Tony Khan and his team are the favorites to snap up Aleister Black's services in August.