Report: Malakai Black may have been granted ‘highly conditional’ AEW release

According to Fightful, the rumors of Malakai Black being done with AEW in some form appear to have some merit.

Their reporting has “numerous talent” telling them that they have been told he has either received his “highly conditional” release or is done for the foreseeable future.

It’s unknown what those conditions are. They speculated that they could restrict Black from wrestling elsewhere, including indies, as he has withdrawn from an Ohio indie show this week. 

Speculation increased as to his status following Sunday’s All Out when, off-screen, Black blew kisses to the fans and bowed after House of Black fell in defeat to Darby Allin, Sting & Miro. Black took the pin after Sting gained a measure of revenge by misting him in the eyes.

The outlet reported last week that Black’s request for a release back in August was denied. They noted that Tony Khan wanted to keep Black, but a decision was made to honor his request following a recent meeting. 

The former Aleister Black in WWE made his AEW debut in July 2021 by making a surprise appearance and attacking both Cody Rhodes and Arn Anderson. He was released in June 2021. His wife, Zelina Vega, is currently in WWE after re-signing prior to Black’s AEW debut.