For months, speculation has run rampant about Malakai Black and the status of the former AEW Trios and WWE NXT Champion. On AEW programming, the House of Black has teased moving forward without Black, who is reportedly officially done with Tony Khan's promotion.
Mike Johnson of PWInsider Elite reports that AEW sources have confirmed Black has finished with the promotion, with no discussions regarding a final appearance. Black had joined AEW in 2021 and had formed the House of Black with Brody King and Buddy Matthews the following year. The group later recruited Julia Hart.
While Black's exit has left fans excited about a potential WWE return, don't expect to see Black on programming just yet. The report noted that Black will not be a free agent in time to participate in next week's Royal Rumble event. However, he is expected to be available sometime in February or March.
Black had been with WWE for four years after debuting in 2017. In addition to being a former NXT Champion, he is also a Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic winner. A return to WWE would allow Black the chance to spend more time with his wife, Zelina Vega, who is employed by WWE.
WWE is already home to AEW alum including Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, and Ethan Page, and now Malakai Black could be set to join that list. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Malakai Black and what's next for him in wrestling.
