Aleister Black’s WWE Returns are set for tonight’s episode WWE smack down (April 25, 2025) marked his first appearance since its 2021 release. His comeback, known as Marakai Black during his AEW tenure, has quietly built up weeks of inexplicable teasing.
Build-up and teaser
Over the past few weeks, WWE has been airing an unsettling vignette featuring a dark, iconic image tied to the black former WWE persona. The lonely chair-like visual surrounded by candles directly refers to the “dark father” character from his previous run.
The vignette escalated into detail, incorporating numbers “4” and “25” to subtly signal the return date on April 25th. Black’s real life wife Zelina Vega also appeared in these segments and moved recently smack downstrengthens speculation about his comeback.
Return details
Multiple outlets have confirmed that April 25th edition of Black returns are locked smack downthe first show following Wrestlemania 41. This episode takes place in Fort Worth, Texas.
His rebutt reportedly delayed to WrestleMania to ensure maximum exposure and creative momentum. He was also discovered at WWE headquarters in recent weeks and became a topic of conversation inside.
Creative direction and potential storylines
Early reports suggest that Black’s Return may intersect with the ongoing supernatural-themed storyline. He may collaborate with, challenged, engaged with, uncle Howdy, and hint at an angle inspired by deeper fear.
Despite his strong run at NXT, Black struggled to find a consistent direction on the main roster before he left. Now, there is a new hope that by guiding WWE’s creative, Black will ultimately acquire a role defined as a lasting push.
Still, some analysts warn that the success of his return may depend on how viewers receive darker character elements.
