Reason For Aleister Black's WWE Absence

Aleister Black has not been seen on WWE programming for nearly three weeks, last competing against Damian Priest in a losing effort during an Ambulance match on the January 2 episode of SmackDown upon the blue brand’s switch to three hours. There are some reasons behind him not being booked on Friday Night SmackDown.

PWInsider have revealed that WWE have made the creative call to keep Aleister Black off WWE television to sell the effects of his loss to Priest. On the back of his win, Priest entered the WWE Championship picture, winning a match against Solo Sikoa to earn a shot at Saturday Night’s Main Event’s number one contenders match. 

 WWE’s sources reportedly told PWInsider that his hiatus was always planned in the aftermath of his clash, though it wasn’t indicated how long he’d be gone for, only that it wouldn’t be long. It is noted that Black did suffer from an injury during the match, coming out of it with a small fracture on his tailbone following one of the big spots. However, it is noted that if he was needed on WWE TV, this injury is nothing that would keep him away.