Folks, it’s official—Malakai Black is a free agent, and AEW’s spookiest faction leader is no longer haunting the roster. According to PWInsider, Black’s contract expired yesterday, and just like that, he’s gone—removed from AEW’s website faster than Tony Khan deletes angry tweets.
The End of House of Black?
Black’s departure leaves a void, but his former stablemates Brody King, Julia Hart, and Buddy Matthews have already rebranded as the Hounds of Hell. Which, let’s be honest, sounds like a metal band that only plays in haunted basements.
Meanwhile, Black’s exit wasn’t exactly a secret:
- November 2023: After facing Adam Cole on AEW Dynamite, Black denied rumors of retiring or leaving AEW.
- December 2023 – January 2024: Reports suggested his contract was expiring soon, and AEW had no plans to use him.
- January 2024: AEW basically ghosted him, while Dave Meltzer claimed some people in AEW were happy to see him go. (Ouch.)
Where Does Black Go Next?
👀 WWE?
- Triple H loves him. Black was a top star in NXT, and now that The Game runs WWE creative, it’s the most logical move.
- Wife Factor: Zelina Vega is still in WWE, so maybe a reunion is in the works (both professionally and personally).
👀 TNA?
- TNA is snatching up free agents left and right, and a dark, supernatural Malakai Black could fit right in.
👀 Japan?
- New Japan loves strikers with an aura of danger, and Black fits that mold perfectly.
Final Thoughts: AEW Lost a Big One
For all the missed opportunities in AEW, Malakai Black was still one of the most compelling characters they had. Now that he’s a free agent, wherever he goes next is about to get a whole lot darker.