There is more evidence Malakai Black is unhappy in AEW.
Rumors are swirling following an awkward finish with Adam Cole on this past week’s “Dynamite” and comments from AEW announcer Jim Ross.
On the latest “Grilling JR” podcast, the Hall of Fame wrestling announcer talked about Black’s run in AEW, claiming that the former WWE wrestler has been “disenchanted.”
“You didn’t get enough consistency. He could have been more deeply woven into the storylines over time. He’s one of my favorite characters. He’s a smart guy. He’s a hell of a worker. He can be a babyface or a heel. Wherever he’s going to go, he’s going to make money and he’s going to be an asset to any company that he works for,” Ross said, via wrestlingnews.co.
Ross then added: “I talked to him a couple of pay-per-views ago, and he didn’t tell me this, but you could tell he was a little disenchanted. I mean, God Almighty. Think about this. They work a day a week. They wrestle a day a week for AEW, maybe two if they get booked on both the Saturday show and the Wednesday show, but that didn’t happen that much. If it did, you’d be working two days a week. I think his future is always going to be bright. He’s a creative guy.”
Black has had an uneven run during his time in AEW. He started the House of Black faction and was part of the AEW World Trios Champions, but his push has since floundered.
Related: New Rumor Suggests AEW Star Malakai Black Could Hit Free Agency Soon: Is A Return To WWE Likely?
Does Malakai Black Want To Leave AEW?
Following Wednesday’s weird finish against Cole, fans wondered if this was going to be the last we see of Black in AEW. Cole cut a promo in the ring after the match, thanking Black.
Rumors have been swirling that Black has wanted to leave, especially since his wife, Zelina Vega, is with WWE.
However, Black took to social media to shoot that gossip down.
“Here we are once more, another match down, and everybody is, ‘Oh, he’s retiring. He’s retiring because of his injuries,’ and this and that. Well, I’m neither of these things. I’m not injured, nor am I retiring, nor am I leaving,” Black said on Instagram, via Cageside Seats.
He added: “I would really appreciate it if that stuff stops, man. If I’m gonna retire, you’re gonna hear from me and not after Adam just cuts a promo as a thank you for the match. Because that’s all it was.”
Despite Black’s denials, it most likely won’t stop rumors from continuing to spread.
Related: Malakai Black Unsure Why AEW Won’t Book Him In Singles Match