On the May 21st, 2021 edition of Smackdown, Big E was attacked by Aleister Black. What looked like the start of a big angle turned out to be Black’s last performance in a WWE ring. Now known as Malakai Black, he’ll face Cody Rhodes in his first AEW match at AEW Homecoming next week.
Big E recently spoke about the angle he was supposed to work with Black during an interview with GiveMeSport.
“I don’t know the plans, I had no idea,” Big E said (transcriptions via Fightful). “Obviously, we had seen the vignettes for weeks and weeks. He comes out at the end of the main event and kicks me in the face. I’m thinking, ‘Alright, it’s him and I, we’re going to run for a bit.'”
Black wasn’t on the show the following week. He was then released from WWE on June 2nd, 2021. Meanwhile, Big E continued to feud with Apollo Crews.
“I was definitely surprised (when Black was released),” Big E continued. “I think he’s extremely talented and has a ton to offer. People were excited to see us because there is such a difference in the way we carry ourselves and our characters. We’re polar opposites and I think it would have made for a lot of fun.”
E would also say that he wasn’t worried about Black, noting he was pretty sure someone would pick him up after his release.
“The Aleister thing was an opportunity to do something different and a nice break from that. It ended up fizzling. He’s very good at what he does and I wish him well.”
E’s comments can be heard in the player below: