It seems that many around the wrestling business are so sure that Malakai Black is about to depart AEW that some in WWE creative are already brainstorming plans for his eventual return.
Over the last year, the momentum in the competition between WWE and AEW has swung in favor of the former in a major way. WWE is now the company that is considered cool among casual and diehard fans. While AEW has mistakenly curated its content even more for a smaller segment of fans that prefer five-star matches of dramatic storylines.
Related: Jim Ross Claims Malakai Black Has Been ‘Disenchanted’ In AEW
With WWE selling out events all over the world and AEW having trouble filling arenas, there has been a growing wave of talent looking to switch sides. The most recent departure rumors center on Malakai Black, formerly Aleister Black in WWE. The former trios champion is reportedly finishing up his contract with his current company.
It has led to a boatload of speculation about a return to WWE. A place he allegedly tried to get back to in 2023. Well, a new report revealed the timeline for when he should officially be able to jump ship back to his former home.
Malakai Black is expected to be a free agent near the end of February
On Friday, PW Insider heard from their sources that “Black is believed to be leaving the company and that he is expected to be a free agent sometime in the area of February/March.”
That would rule him out of a return in time for the Royal Rumble later this month. However, it could set up a big build and return at or just before WrestleMania 41 in April. And it seems that some in WWE creative are already thinking about how the former NXT Champion could be used once he is back.
“There has been a lot of talk in the past two days about Malakai Black,” Dave Meltzer wrote in a new Wrestling Observer Newsletter. “The word backstage was that he was gone. Although in trying to confirm it, nobody would say anything.
“… Nobody expects him back. There was also talk from WWE that he was expected there when his contract expires. That’s been the case for a while, but evidently, there has been talk in WWE creative about him of late.”
Related: AEW’s Malakai Black Asked To Be “Strictly” On Collision
