Jim Ross Addresses Situation Behind Malakai Black Possibly Leaving AEW

AEW has seen some big names depart from the company, but Tony Khan’s wallet has also been able to secure a number of wrestlers to longer deals. There is a strong chance that Malakai Black may be going away, and those rumors hit Jim Ross’ ear as well.

There has been speculation about Malakai Black’s future in AEW. Reports suggest his contract could expire at the end of 2024 or early 2025. After last week’s Dynamite, some believed Black was saying goodbye, but he denied the rumors on social media. On the November 13 AEW Dynamite, Black and Brody King defeated FTR.

Jim Ross addressed the situation on the Grilling JR podcast. He acknowledged hearing about Black’s contract expiring soon. Ross also said he was surprised by the decision to have House of Black defeat FTR but called it a strong booking choice.

“I was shocked, to be honest with you, that FTR lost [on Dynamite]. I was just assuming because of the rumored situation of Mr. Black leaving. I think his contract is expiring…he’s a hell of a hand. I love the guy. He’s a nice guy, smart guy. He’d be good in the booker’s room. I thought FTR would go over based on my assumptions of what was going on. I’m glad I didn’t go to Vegas to bet on that one because I would have bet my f**king farm on FTR winning and they didn’t. I think that’s great. I just think it’s great booking. What it will do is set up the House of Black spinoff with Private Party and that will do worlds of good for Private Party…they’ve got the tag titles. Now let’s see what they do with them. Are they gonna expand their game? Is it not gonna be a spot fest every time. Are they occasionally gonna work a hold? A lot of the boys don’t understand that working a hold can be great for your storytelling if you choose to let it.”

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Ross then added that, “All in all I thought Dynamite was a really good show. I enjoyed the hell out of it.”

Malakai Black has a lot of reasons to take his talents back to WWE. Not only is Vince McMahon gone, which means Triple H would be in control of his booking direction, but Black also has strong ties to the WWE roster. His wife, Zelina Vega, is still with the company and receiving great treatment on television. Things are really taking off in WWE, and Malakai Black may want to be a part of that.

We will have to see what Malakai Black decides to do in the future. Tony Khan is still giving him wins on television, so there may be a hope that he will stay even longer in AEW. Black’s story is just another reason why 2025 will be a very interesting year for the pro wrestling business.