Wrestling fans, buckle up, because the saga of Malakai Black (fka Aleister Black, aka Tommy End, aka “The Guy Who Makes Every Entrance Look Like a Metal Album Cover”) has taken another dramatic twist. According to PWInsider, the enigmatic former AEW World Trios Champion is officially done with AEW, putting an end to months of cryptic speculation and fan conspiracy theories that rival Area 51 chatter.
Black Out of AEW—And the Rumble
Sources from AEW have confirmed that Malakai Black has wrapped up his time with the promotion, with no plans for a farewell appearance. You know it’s serious when they don’t even give you a lights-out segment to say goodbye.
For those hoping to see Black make a surprise return to WWE at the Royal Rumble—sorry, folks, but it’s not happening. According to PWInsider, Black’s current contractual obligations will keep him benched for the big 30-man over-the-top-rope madness. The earliest fans might see him wrestle again is February or March, just in time to start another round of “Is he joining WWE or New Japan?” speculation.
From AEW’s Shadows to WWE’s Doorstep?
Malakai Black joined AEW in 2021 after his shocking WWE release, bringing with him the spooky vibes and buzzsaw kicks fans adored in NXT. While his time in AEW started with a bang, helping to form the House of Black faction, recent creative directions have suggested the group is moving on without him. When you’re the leader of a faction called the House of Black and you’re no longer in it…well, it’s pretty clear your bags are packed.
Fans started piecing together the puzzle after an emotional moment Black shared with Adam Cole following a match—an uncharacteristic break from his usual mysterious, stoic persona. Rumors then surfaced that Black’s contract, originally reported to run until 2027, was quietly set to expire much sooner.
If a WWE return is in the cards, Black would join his wife, Zelina Vega, who is still with the company. Maybe they’ll let him win a Mixed Match Challenge just to make up for his abrupt 2021 release? (It’s the least they could do.)
What’s Next for the Dutch Destroyer?
For now, Malakai Black remains in wrestling limbo. Whether he heads back to WWE, lights up the independent circuit as Tommy End, or pulls a full MJF and starts bidding wars between companies, one thing is certain: the wrestling world will be watching.
And if he does return to WWE, let’s hope they let him kick people in the face more and sit in rooms with creepy lighting less.