Aleister Black and Zelina Vega’s on-screen alliance in WWE SmackDown—dubbed “the necessary evil”—has finally come to fruition after years of anticipation and creative hesitation. Despite being a real-life married couple, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque was initially not fully on board with pairing the two together on television.
In a detailed interview with The Takedown on SI, Aleister Black opened up about how the idea to unite him and his wife had been in WWE’s creative pipeline since 2021, but didn’t align with Triple H’s original vision at first[1][2].
Early Plans Almost Happened Back in 2021
Aleister Black revealed that WWE had started working on the storyline and even filmed some vignettes for the duo almost four years ago, just before his departure from the company in mid-2021. Efforts included creating special outfits and masks, some of which were repurposed later when Black moved to AEW. The “Dark Father” character from the end of Black’s initial WWE run was intended to be a precursor to this alliance with Zelina Vega, forming a darker, mystical duo on-screen[1][2].
Black stated, “We started shooting little vignettes for it, and we started creating outfits for it,” referencing those early plans. However, despite the initial creative push, the idea ultimately fell through when Black was released in 2021[1].
Triple H’s Initial Reluctance
Sources close to WWE creative confirmed that Triple H was initially hesitant about pairing Aleister Black and Zelina Vega as an on-screen unit. According to backstage reports, the concern was whether mixing real-life relationships with television storylines would resonate with audiences or if it might complicate existing creative directions.
One WWE insider shared, “Triple H usually likes a clear, strong narrative before giving the green light, and at first, he wasn’t really convinced that bringing Aleister and Zelina together on TV was the right approach. The idea needed time to evolve before he fully bought in.”[2]
This stance contrasted with the fans’ enthusiasm and Black’s own willingness. Earlier in his career, during a radio interview, Black was confident a partnership with Vega wouldn’t happen on WWE programming. However, as time passed, the aesthetic and chemistry of the couple caught the attention of upper management, including Triple H[1].
Reunion and Official Alliance in 2025
Upon Aleister Black’s return to WWE in spring 2025, discussions around teaming with Zelina Vega resurfaced. It took some time, but Triple H eventually approved the on-screen partnership. The couple officially debuted their alliance on WWE SmackDown, branding themselves as “the necessary evil” within the company.
Their dynamic was showcased dramatically during a recent Last Man Standing match between Black and Damian Priest, where Zelina Vega’s interference helped secure Black’s victory, solidifying their united front[2][4].
Aleister Black emphasized the partnership felt long overdue: “Having my wife by my side… it was always supposed to be this way,” he said during a SmackDown vignette, highlighting the importance of the storyline to their characters and real-life relationship[4].
Impact on WWE Storylines and Future Potential
The alliance between Aleister Black and Zelina Vega has sparked excitement about potential new story arcs and faction formations on SmackDown. Both wrestlers have a history of involvement in stables—Black with the House of Black and Vega with the Latino World Order (LWO)—making them natural candidates for future faction leadership.
Wrestletalk and other wrestling analysts have speculated about which WWE Superstars might join forces with the duo. Names such as Damian Priest, R-Truth, and other talents potentially looking for a darker, more aggressive direction could fit the mold of this new faction[3][5].
Insiders suggest this partnership marks a new chapter for both superstars, offering renewed creative opportunities and adding depth to SmackDown’s roster dynamics.
Backstage Buzz and Creative Direction
According to sources close to WWE creative, Triple H’s eventual decision to approve the alliance came after viewing the strong crowd reaction and the natural chemistry between Black and Vega. A WWE producer remarked, “Once Triple H saw how well Aleister and Zelina worked together live, and the fan engagement they generated, his hesitation eased. He realized this pairing added a fresh and authentic edge SmackDown needed.”
This real-life connection combined with mystical and edgy personas has created a compelling television product that WWE hopes to expand upon[2][6].
Conclusion
Aleister Black and Zelina Vega’s partnership on WWE SmackDown was years in the making, with Triple H initially cautious about their on-screen association. Through persistence, creative evolution, and undeniable chemistry, the duo has become one of WWE’s captivating new acts in 2025. The story of their alliance not only highlights how real-life relationships translate into compelling storytelling but also marks a promising future for both talents inside WWE.
Fans should keep an eye on how “the necessary evil” evolves and which WWE superstars might soon join forces with Aleister Black and Zelina Vega to further shape the SmackDown landscape in the months ahead.