This former AEW star has revealed himself to be the original rival for Randy Orton at WWE WrestleMania 41.
Earlier this year, ahead of WrestleMania 41, Kevin Owens had to sideline himself following a serious neck issue, leaving Orton without any opponent for The Grandest Stage of Them All. However, surprising everyone in Las Vegas and all across the world, Joe Hendry made his ‘Mania debut and faced off against The Apex Predator.
Recently, while speaking to Bernard Colas of Le10Sport ahead of Clash in Paris, former AEW star and SmackDown’s recent addition, Aleister Black, revealed that he was originally supposed to clash against The Viper.
From what I’m told, there was a discussion about it. But for obvious reasons, it didn’t go any further because they had another plan. But the option was considered. It was a thought process like, ‘What if we do it? Well, maybe not, okay.’ That’s all I heard. The fact that they discussed it at all is pretty cool. And I would have jumped at it with open arms because any time I get a chance to wrestle Randy, it’s a good time, because Randy, he’s… he’s Randy Orton, you know! He’s Randy Orton. At WrestleMania. How could I say no? You know what I mean? I’d be scared sh**less, but I’d do it. It would be crazy.”
Parting ways with All Elite Wrestling last year, Black made his return to the Stamford-based promotion on the April 25 episode of SmackDown.
While Black and Orton did not share the ring at WrestleMania 41, the two were recently involved in the June 13 episode of SmackDown in a King of the Ring fatal four-way qualifier, which Orton won.
A Wrestling Veteran Recently Blasted Former AEW Star Aleister Black’s Ongoing WWE Run
Despite his initial share of victories on the blue brand, Aleister Black’s current SmackDown run has felt a bit flat. With no significant rivalries or title feuds, Black has started to get lost in the crowd. Earlier this month, during an episode of the Brodown podcast, wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell publicly blasted Black’s ongoing run.
They’re pushing, this is a guy, what’s his name – Black? Aleister Black. Guys, I don’t get it. I don’t think you could get that guy over if you took him on a sixty-foot building and pushed him. And they pushed him for like at least five weeks. And when he goes to the ring, he’s just there. What is he? A heel or a babyface? What is he or is he just there?”
In other news: Goldberg has recalled his tragic incident with Bret Hart.
