Malakai Black Shuts Down Retirement and Injury Rumors – The Real Story Behind His AEW Future
AEW star Malakai Black has finally responded to persistent rumors surrounding his wrestling career, health, and future with AEW. In a powerful, personal video posted to Twitter, Black addressed the retirement rumors and health concerns that have been circulating online. Known for his dark, enigmatic character and intense in-ring style, Malakai Black is here to set the record straight.
Malakai Black Addresses Retirement Rumors Head-On
In his video message, Malakai Black spoke directly to fans about the constant speculation around his retirement and injury status. The rumors often pop up after each of his matches, leading to questions like, “Is Malakai Black leaving AEW?” or “Is Malakai Black injured?” In a firm and direct statement, Black addressed the claims:
“Here we are once more, a match down, and again everybody is always retiring, he’s retiring because of his injuries and this and that. Well, I’m neither of these things. I’m not injured, nor am I retiring, nor am I leaving.”
Malakai Black via IG on his AEW contract status and future:
“I’m not injured, nor am I retiring or am I leaving. I haven’t been in injured in more than 3 years. I’ve been fine for the longest time.” pic.twitter.com/aZ08YoTb2T
— Drainmaker 🌧️ 💵 (@DrainBamager) November 7, 2024
This clear statement was a direct response to the ongoing AEW retirement rumors. Black expressed frustration over the constant chatter and misinformation that surround his career.
Malakai Black’s Frustration with Speculation
Since joining AEW in 2021, Malakai Black has become a powerful figure in the wrestling world, captivating audiences with his unique persona and captivating storytelling. However, every time he finishes a high-stakes match, rumors begin to swirl about his health and retirement. Black finds this cycle confusing and frustrating, explaining in his video:
“I feel this happens every match I have, and I don’t understand how many times you’re going to say these things and then them not happening, and people still are going to, you know, fall for that.”
Setting the Record Straight on His Health
One of the most significant rumors surrounding Malakai Black is that he’s dealing with severe back injuries. Fans and media alike have speculated that these injuries may be pushing him to retire. However, in his video, Black clarified his current health status, saying:
“I haven’t been injured in more than three years, and I’m referring to my back of course. I only posted about that after it was already done, and if you would read the post, you’d have seen that and not read what other people have written.”
By confirming that he hasn’t had any injuries for over three years, Black directly addresses and dismisses the injury rumors. He also urged fans to rely on accurate information directly from him, rather than secondhand rumors.
Social Media and the Spread of Misinformation
Black’s frustration with rumors highlights a common problem in the social media age. Platforms like Twitter and Instagram allow AEW wrestlers to connect directly with fans, but they also enable rumors and false information to spread quickly. As an athlete who values honesty, Black wants fans to understand that they’ll hear directly from him if there’s any significant news about his retirement.
“I would really appreciate it if that stuff stops, man. If I’m going to retire, you’re going to hear from me and not after Adam just cuts a promo just as a thank you for the match because that’s all it was.”
In this statement, he references a recent promo by fellow AEW wrestler Adam Page, which some fans interpreted as a signal that Black might be retiring. Black clarified that this promo was only a show of respect after a hard-fought match and not a hint at any future plans.
Why Do Malakai Black Retirement Rumors Keep Surfacing?
So, why do these retirement rumors and injury updates keep popping up around Malakai Black? A few reasons come to mind. For one, his intense wrestling style often blurs the line between storytelling and real-life situations, leading fans to question his health after every match. His past career in WWE as Aleister Black and the fact that his wife, Zelina Vega, is still active in WWE only add to the speculation that he might return to his previous company someday.
However, Black made it clear in his video that these are just rumors with no basis in reality.
The Importance of Direct Communication
Malakai Black’s decision to address these rumors head-on shows his commitment to keeping fans accurately informed. In an industry where real life and storylines often overlap, misinformation can quickly get out of hand. His message, “If I’m going to retire, you’re going to hear from me,” reinforces his dedication to direct communication and honesty with his fanbase.
What’s Next for Malakai Black in AEW?
Malakai Black’s life, career, and notable achievements 2024
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Tom Budgen |
| Ring Names | Malakai Black, Aleister Black, Tommy End |
| Date of Birth | May 19, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Alkmaar, Netherlands |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 215 lb (98 kg) |
| Debut | 2002 |
| Trainers | Chris Hero, Nigel McGuinness, and others |
| Wrestling Style | Striking-based offense, blending martial arts and high-flying maneuvers |
| Notable Promotions | WWE (as Aleister Black), AEW (as Malakai Black), PROGRESS Wrestling, ICW, wXw, PWG |
| WWE Debut | April 1, 2017 (NXT TakeOver: Orlando) |
| Main Roster Debut | February 18, 2019 (WWE RAW) |
| Signature Moves | Black Mass (Spinning Heel Kick), Dragon Slayer, Brainbuster |
| Notable Feuds | Andrade “Cien” Almas, Buddy Murphy, Johnny Gargano, Cody Rhodes |
| Championships Won | – NXT Champion |
| – Tag team and individual titles in various independent promotions | |
| AEW Debut | July 7, 2021 (AEW Dynamite: Road Rager) |
| Faction in AEW | House of Black (formed with Brody King, Buddy Matthews, Julia Hart) |
| Key Storylines | Feud with Cody Rhodes, House of Black’s dominance, alliances and rivalries within AEW |
| Personal Life | Married to fellow professional wrestler Thea Trinidad (Zelina Vega) |
| Background | Has a background in kickboxing and martial arts; incorporates dark, occult themes in his persona |
| Influences | Heavily inspired by black metal, mythology, and darker storytelling |
| Entrance Music | Known for using unique and thematic entrance music; WWE: “Root of All Evil,” AEW: “Ogentroost” |
| Signature Look | Black attire, tattoos, face paint, and contacts to enhance his mystique |
| Tattoos | Covers themes like mythology, spirituality, and personal stories |
| Awards | Ranked in PWI 500; accolades from Wrestling Observer Newsletter |
| Other Interests | Kickboxing, fitness training, video games, and tattoos |
This table highlights Malakai Black’s journey from his early days in the wrestling world to becoming a key figure in major wrestling promotions like WWE and AEW, showcasing his unique persona and wrestling prowess.
now, Malakai Black appears to be focused on his career in AEW. His words indicate that he’s not only healthy but also committed to continuing his journey in professional wrestling. Fans of The House of Black, the faction he leads in AEW, can look forward to more thrilling, intense performances from Black as he pursues his goals in the ring. The House of Black has become a central part of AEW programming, and Black’s storytelling and wrestling prowess have made it a fan favorite.
With his recent statement, Malakai Black has assured fans that he’s not leaving AEW or retiring. Fans can rest easy, knowing that if any significant career announcement is coming, they’ll hear it directly from him. For now, he’s here, he’s healthy, and he’s not going anywhere.
