Aleister Black has reflected on his first year with WWE since returning to the company in the spring of 2025. While speaking to The Stunner, Black characterized his second stint with the promotion as a “massive success,” highlighting his increased workload both inside and outside the squared circle. Since his return on the April 25, 2025, episode of SmackDown, Black has transitioned from a former trios standout in his previous promotion back to a top-tier singles threat under the creative direction of Triple H.
“First and foremost, I consider it a massive success. A lot more work, a lot more things that I have done inside the ring and outside the ring,” Black stated. “I like being busy; once I feel like I am not busy, I feel like I am not doing something right. The amount of work I have had within WWE has been a lot, which is good. Several main events, headlining several Smackdown episodes, merchandise sales, commercials, various interviews, and then obviously as of recently, working the main event with Randy Orton and beating him. I cannot really complain when it comes to that.”
Reviving the Dark Father Persona
One of the most compelling aspects of Black’s return has been the revival and evolution of the “Dark Father” character. Black revealed that this persona, which was originally intended to debut at the end of his first WWE run in 2021, focuses on the psychological corruption of his opponents rather than simple in-ring victories. After a stint leading a faction in AEW, Black feels the concept has found a more permanent home on Friday nights.
“I was happy that I was able to bring over something that I was working on at the end of my first run when we did the Dark Father. This whole corrupting people’s character that was going to start with the Dark Father and obviously had its life in AEW for a minute, bringing that over to WWE, I feel like it has a lot more legs,” Black explained. He noted that his recent program with Randy Orton is just the beginning of this long-term creative trajectory.
The Fallout from the Randy Orton Rivalry
Black’s victory over Randy Orton on the February 20 episode of SmackDown served as a major catalyst for the current landscape of the blue brand. During the match, Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre interfered, smashing his title across Orton’s head and allowing Black to deliver a decisive Black Mass for the win. Black views this win as a pivotal moment in his career, though he acknowledges there is always room for improvement.
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