Aleister Black traveled to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but WWE has pulled him from today’s Royal Rumble premium live event. According to PWInsider, WWE officials made the decision to delay his return to television and reintroduce him more strategically rather than have him get lost in the shuffle of a 30-man Rumble match.
Black last competed on SmackDown on January 2, 2026, facing Damian Priest in an Ambulance Match where he suffered a minor broken tailbone. The injury wasn’t expected to alter Black’s planned hiatus from television.
Black is currently feuding with Damian Priest, with Zelina Vega aiding her husband on-screen. Speaking on The Babyfaces Podcast earlier this month, Black discussed subtle character tweaks for himself and Vega, emphasizing keeping her core personality while adapting to their dark alliance dynamic.
With WWE opting for a more strategic reintroduction, expect Black’s return to carry greater storyline significance when he eventually resurfaces to continue his rivalry with Priest.
FULL MATCH: Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black | Ambulance Match: SmackDown highlights, Jan. 2, 2026
