Aleister Black just pulled the curtain back on what couldve been a massive WrestleMania moment.
During a conversation with WrestleRant, the SmackDown star confirmed that WWE was seriously considering a match between him and Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41but it was axed before it ever got off the ground.
According to Black, the idea wasnt some fantasy booking rumorit actually came up during internal discussions for his return plans. WWEs creative team briefly floated the possibility, but it didnt take long for the pitch to fall apart once they started weighing the risk of a major loss on such a big stage. He explained how the conversation unfolded backstage:
And then came the reason it got scrapped just as quickly:
Instead, WWE pivoted. Rather than rush him into a loss at WrestleMania, they opted for a post-WrestleMania SmackDown return in Fort Worth, Texas. The moment was still bigand Black got to share the spotlight with his wife Zelina Vega, who won her first singles title that same night. He called it one of the most memorable nights of his career:
WWE clearly saw value in protecting Aleister Blacks momentum instead of burning it off at WrestleMania for a one-off spectacle. And if things continue trending the way they are, that Randy Orton match may still be waiting in the wings.
Would you have booked Aleister Black vs. Randy Orton for WrestleMania 41? Or did WWE make the right call saving his return for SmackDown instead? Sound off in the comments below and let us know how you wouldve handled it.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
