Dueling Vignettes Hint That These Two Former AEW Stars Appear Headed to WWE

Recently, there were multiple wrestlers who departed AEW. Those names include Miro (known as Rusev in WWE), Malakai Black (known as Aleister Black in WWE), Ricky Starks (now known as Ricky Saints in NXT), and the Lucha Brothers (Penta is currently on RAW).

Those five names are well known in the wrestling world. Since departing AEW, things have changed for all five of them, with two of them being mysterious in their silence.

Saints is on fire in NXT, while Penta has become a regular fixture on RAW and immensely popular. Miro/Rusev and wife CJ Perry/Lana have renewed their vows. There is no telling what his next move will be. As far as Black and Fenix go, not much has been said except that they are due in WWE eventually.

Could Rey Fenix & Aleister Black Be Headed to WWE?
As for Fenix and Black, there are theories out there that suggest both men are going to WWE. With Penta already set on RAW, there has been speculation about Fenix’s future.

During SmackDown this weekend, a vignette that showcases a wrestler who seems to be wearing a mask was aired. The still shot of the video shows a man who looks exactly like Fenix. The entire vignette and the still shot can be viewed below.

THE OFFICIAL REY FENIX TEASER 🔥 #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/OUlFK0BigO

— Roman Reigns SZN 💥 (@reigns_era) March 14, 2025

FENIX #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/CrSxPg2tGF

— The Black Guy Wrestling Podcast (@bgwpod) March 14, 2025

Fenix looks to be headed to WWE’s Friday night show. While the video wasn’t very descriptive, it definitely seems as if the high-flying luchador is ready to make his presence felt on SmackDown.

As for Black? We don’t know much about what his future could be, but there was a vignette that aired on SmackDown that felt ominous and dark. Considering what we know about Black and his character, the vignette seems to signal his imminent arrival.

Did we just get a tease for Aleister (Malakai) Black’s return to WWE? 👀 #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/AEiSUQGCYD

— PW Chronicle (@_PWChronicle) March 14, 2025

The speculation is that the “four” could mean four weeks until his arrival, which would put the timeline close to WrestleMania. Another theory is that it could be a reference to the fact that it has been four years since Black was a part of the WWE roster. Whatever it means, many people think that both men are headed to SmackDown.

Potential Opponents for Fenix and Black?
If Fenix plans to go to SmackDown and start as a solo act, there are several matches that could interest the viewer. Jacob Fatu vs. Rey Fenix could be one of those hard-hitting matches that has the crowd on its feet.

Fenix vs. Carmelo Hayes also feels like a match that needs to happen. Regardless of what happens to Fenix as a solo star, the fans will be clamoring for him to eventually team up with Penta. That has to happen.

For Black, in the four years he’s been away, new challengers and performers have risen up. There’s a good chance that if Black finds his way to SmackDown, he might cross paths again with former AEW adversary and current WWE champion Cody Rhodes.

Randy Orton vs. Black could be a lot of fun, as well as LA Knight vs. Black. There are so many combinations and potential matches for Black if he returns to the company.

Will Fenix and Black both make their presence felt on SmackDown? Will their paths intersect as a result of these dueling vignettes? Time will tell.