It's been five years since Thomas Budgen, the former Aleister Black, packed his bags and left WWE to All Elite Wrestling as Malakai Black. As one of pro wrestling's up-and-coming stars, he was given an incredible deal to leave the established superpower for an upstart company. But amidst any newfound riches, Black found very little job satisfaction. In some ways, he learned that the grass isn't always greener on the other side of World Wrestling Entertainment.

Like many WWE defectors, Black got an instant pop upon his arrival on AEW, but that didn't last for too long. In what has become a similar blueprint for many on the rival company's roster, he began seeing his prominence and his TV time waning. And in the past year, he's been an almost non-existent entity in Tony Khan's menagerie of overpaid stars, as the leader of the House of Black faction

However, there seems to be a sliver of light emerging from all the blackness. Now a free agent after being given his release from AEW, a recent vignette on WWE programming has given the fans a huge hint as to where he will be popping up next.

Aleister Black's Time With NXT Was Magical

His Star Was On The Rise Under Triple H's Watch

Now free from his AEW contract and the name 'Malakai', there's been plenty of speculation that Aleister Black will be spotted on WWE television any day now. It makes sense. Not only did he have a great working relationship with the current head of WWE creative Triple H, but his wife, Zelina Vega, is already working there. So, it makes sense for Black on both a professional and personal level to reunite with the promotion.

Much like his run with All Elite Wrestling, the 30-year-old Dutchman got lost in the shuffle once promoted to WWE's main roster. But most of the responsibility for that falls on Vince McMahon, who apparently didn't view Black as a prime-time player, despite his NXT excellence.

Now, four years after leaving, he would benefit from the incredible momentum that World Wrestling Entertainment is currently enjoying. Their success has elevated many new (or returning) faces over the last couple of years. Black could fall right in with newcomers like Penta and Jordynne Grace to pump some new electricity into the 'E' in 2025.

When Is Aleister Black Coming Back to WWE?

Mysterious Vignette Has Fans Speculating About Former NXT Champion's Return

On the March 14 edition of SmackDown, an ominous video aired that showed a smoky image of the number four. Shot in black-and-white, along with the eerie sound of approaching footsteps, it was very similar to some of the vignettes that featured Black in his previous WWE run. The only clue is the number "4", which could be a countdown or a hint to something else, to be explained in episodes of WWE programming.

Always a fan favorite in the WWE Universe because of his athletic ring style and macabre persona, the veteran would get a huge welcome home from the audience. Most of all, he would be back in the fold with the man who put the most faith in him thus far. If Aleister Black is indeed on his way back to his former promotion, you can bet Triple H already has big plans for him.

It would be very fitting if the master of the Black Mass would make a triumphant re-entry with the promotion. After being left for dead by WWE and placed in purgatory by AEW, he may finally break out and achieve the lofty expectations that fans had for him just a few years ago. He has all the abilities to be a superstar - and maybe even a world champion - someday.

While this is mere speculation until we see Black on WWE programming, it's hard to imagine him failing a second time around. He'll be back in a productive and creative environment, one that's very different from the organization he departed. Aleister Black will have a fresh set of opponents, and all-new angles to develop at a time of creative bliss for the company, if he has truly decided to come back into the WWE fold.