A new AEW rumor adds Malakai Black to the list of talents who could be departing the company in the next few months.
AEW had a very impressive start to its existence and quickly evolved into the No. 2 company in the world of professional wrestling. However, after finally ousting founder Vince McMahon, WWE’s slump ended and they’ve caught fire over the last two years. Coincidentally, AEW’s hot streak concluded. And the promotion has endured a sharp decline in attendance and television ratings at the same time.
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With the scales switched, there has been a growing exodus of wrestlers from AEW to WWE. In recent months former AEW talent Jade Cargill, Ethan Page, and Shawn Spears have all switched sides. There have also been rumors that Rey Fenix, Penta El Zero Miedo, and Ricky Starks are also WWE-bound. Plus there has even been speculation that prospects like Hook and Daniel Garcia could test their value in free agency.
Well, it looks like we have another name to add to the list of AEW wrestlers that could hit free agency in the near future. On Thursday, veteran reporter Raj Giri dropped an interesting nugget of news about Malakai Black.
Malakai Black’s AEW contract is rumored to end early in 2025
“Malakai Black’s AEW contract is apparently expiring soon,” Giri wrote. I know Tony Khan had stated in 2022 that Black was under contract for 5 years, but the word I’m hearing is that it is actually up early next year and AEW is working to re-sign him. I’ve also heard that there is major interest in him outside of AEW.”
After Khan’s comment two years ago, Black stated publicly, “My contract is not five years, my contract has never been five years.” Giri’s report seems to confirm that statement.
Before jumping to AEW in 2021, the veteran grappler went as Aleister Black in WWE. And he was a favorite of former NXT head Paul “Triple H” Levesque before his surprising release three years ago. With Levesque fully in charge of WWE creative, it makes a lot of sense for Black to be interested in a return to his former employer. Furthermore, his long-time love interest — Zelina Vega — is still employed by WWE and on TV regularly.
Black could also be interested in a run with NJPW where he likely would become a top star immediately.
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