Following news of him requesting his release from AEW, it appears Malakai Black may be seeking a longer spell away from the spotlight.
Wrestling Inc.’s Raj Giri broke the news yesterday of Malakai Black having requested his release from All Elite Wrestling. A personal issue was cited as the reason, with it having weighed heavily on his mind. The request was, however, allegedly denied.
PWInsider’s Mike Johnson has now backed up these claims, adding that the House of Black man may be taking a “long, perhaps permanent” break from in-ring competition. The way in which Black has been presented in AEW has also had a negative effect.
News of Malakai Black’s release request being rejected is particularly concerning. If the reported issue is affecting his day-to-day living, then keeping him contracted isn’t the right call. A mandatory talent meeting held in AEW last week should have addressed such issues.
Additionally, it’s noted by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that another AEW star whose name wasn’t reported had also been denied their request to be released. It’s unknown if this is a different star or if Dave is backing up the Malakai reports.
As it stands, ‘The Dutch Destroyer’ is still pencilled in to compete at AEW All Out on Sunday, 4 September. He’ll team with House of Black comrades Brody King and Buddy Matthews in a six-man tag team match vs. Darby Allin, Sting, and Miro.