Aleister Black was less than two weeks into his television return when he was released by the company on June 2.
Black had been off TV for six months dating back to October 2020, but vignettes began airing to hype his return in April and then he cost Big E the Intercontinental Championship in May on SmackDown. Despite just returning to TV, Black was released by the company.
After his release, many of his peers reached out and he told Renee Paquette on Oral Sessions that higher-ups in the company didn't understand why he was released.
"There are a lot of guys who have reached out. Right before [podcast recording], Edge called me and I couldn't pick up. There has been such a reaction on my release. Being released is one thing, but if you're released and there is no response, that's bleak and dark and can get into your head. There's been outpouring support from friends, colleagues, family, and fans. It's helped. I've spoken to a lot of higher-ups and they don't understand it. Throughout the entire company there is a 'why him?' It's a good feeling that the perception you have of 'why am I being let go?' is shared by many high up in the company that are very close to the boss," he said.
Mike Johnson at PWInsider recently noted "there's been some talk that Aleister Black was cut prematurely and a push that the company should bring him back in," though it is unknown if he ends up returning.
Zelina Vega, Black's wife, was released by the company in November 2020, but on May 13, Fightful Select reported that Vega was at the WWE Performance Center with plans for her to return to the company.
Black gave his thoughts on Vega's release, which you can read by clicking here.
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