WWE SmackDown: 5 Biggest news stories - Aleister Black teases new character, Daniel Bryan's SmackDown career in jeopardy? (April 23, 2021)
From an Intercontinental Championship match to a high-stakes challenge, this week's edition of WWE SmackDown featured many contrasting moments.
The Blue brand delivered an enjoyable episode on the Road to WWE WrestleMania Backlash. There's just a different tone to SmackDown's weekly proceedings when compared to Monday Night RAW.
Despite a few repeated issues, most matches and segments delivered in terms of quality on SmackDown tonight. Which show was better this week, RAW or SmackDown? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Here are the five biggest news stories from this week's WWE SmackDown (April 23, 2021).
#5 Aleister Black made a cryptic onscreen WWE return
When Michael Cole set up Aleister Black's vignette on WWE SmackDown, Pat McAfee's enthusiastic reaction as a commentator perfectly captured the fans' excitement.
Aleister Black sat in an ominous setting as he held a storybook titled "Tales of the Dark Father." He narrated the first chapter — The Dragon. Dragons often symbolize power and strength, and Black connected his melancholic past to express that he was taught to "become the dragon" as a child.
His promo soon turned into a tirade against WWE fans. Judging by his words, Black will continue his run as a heel.
While Black always possessed a dark quality, his gimmick never reached its best potential on WWE RAW. Also, since being drafted to SmackDown last year, he hasn't had a chance to make any kind of impact.
Let's hope that his luck changes. Not only has Black returned to his darker roots, but there seems to be a new element of mystery surrounding his latest onscreen persona.
Who do you think Aleister Black will target on WWE SmackDown when he eventually returns to in-ring action?