Below are a couple of top WWE & AEW news stories of the day, featuring Roman Reigns and Malakai Black.
• Jacob Fatu’s emergence as a top star in WWE has been a topic of significant backstage discussion, with plans reportedly underway to elevate him to the main event scene.
Billi Bhatti revealed that WWE initially planned a high-profile match between Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu for WrestleMania 41 before shifting direction. Bhatti outlined WWE’s original vision for the event, stating:
“It was Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk, it was Logan Paul vs. John Cena, it was a rematch between Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley, it was Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair, and it was The Rock vs. Cody Rhodes, with potentially Roman Reigns added to the match.”
If The Rock vs. Cody Rhodes did not materialize, Reigns was slated to face Fatu in a match designed to spotlight the rising star. Bhatti explained:
“Roman Reigns would have gone on to face Jacob Fatu, which is a match they have saved. The idea is to push Jacob Fatu for the next 12 months to the top of the card, and facing Roman Reigns is a huge rub for him.
If you’re against Roman, you’re a big deal and you’re getting a big push.”
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• With the road to WrestleMania 41 beginning soon, there is speculation about AEW star Malakai Black (fka Aleister Black) potentially returning to WWE.
Fightful Select previously reported that AEW insiders believed Black had finished or was finishing with the promotion, even though Tony Khan stated he was under contract until 2027. Black is still listed on AEW’s official website.
The Wrestling Observer reported the following about this situation:
“It’s been reported elsewhere, and one person close to the situation said they were confirming it to us but when we asked officially there was neither a confirmation nor a denial. Nobody expects him back.”
They also mentioned WWE’s interest in Black:
“That’s been the case for a while, but evidently there has been talk in WWE creative about him as of late.”
When Triple H took over WWE main roster creative in 2022, WWE allegedly contacted AEW stars, including Black, about returning.
According to PWInsider, Black is expected to become a free agent in February or March. Black’s wife, Zelina Vega, works in WWE, so him returning to WWE would make sense.
