Why is Malakai Black able to sign with AEW so quickly?

Malakai Black can sign with AEW immediately because of a clerical error in his WWE contract. When he transitioned from NXT to the main roster, WWE failed to update his non-compete clause from the 30-day NXT standard to the typical 90-day main roster restriction. Consequently, his non-compete period expired on July 2, 2021, rather than lasting three months.

When did WWE release Malakai Black from his contract?

WWE released the star, formerly known as Aleister Black, on June 2, 2021. This shocking release occurred just one week after the promotion had debuted his new 'Dark Father' character. Due to an administrative error, he was only bound to a 30-day non-compete clause instead of the standard 90 days.

What was Malakai Black's final character in WWE?

Before his release, Malakai Black's final character in WWE was the 'Dark Father,' which he debuted just one week before he was let go. His main roster run also featured him teaming briefly with Ricochet and spending months sitting in a dark room pleading with opponents to knock on his door.

Why is Malakai Black's style considered a good fit for AEW?

Malakai Black's kickboxing background and striking-heavy style fit AEW's focus on athletic, hard-hitting matches. Additionally, the promotion offers the creative freedom he has publicly craved, allowing him to properly showcase his occult character and engage in high-profile programs with stars like Kenny Omega, Hangman Page, or Pac.

AEW is about to land Malakai Black in a major contract shocker

Q: When did Malakai Black win the NXT Championship?

Malakai Black captured the NXT Championship at the NXT TakeOver: New Orleans event on April 7, 2018. He defeated Andrade 'Cien' Almas in a grueling eighteen-minute match, hitting his signature Black Mass spin kick for the pinfall victory despite interference from manager Zelina Vega.

The Road Tour Secret

Former WWE star Aleister Black is reportedly on the verge of debuting for All Elite Wrestling after a massive administrative blunder by WWE. The Dutch striker, now going by the name Malakai Black, is expected to join the promotion immediately. This signing represents a major coup for Tony Khan as AEW transitions back to live crowds.

The promotion starts touring on July 7, 2021, at the Road Rager special in Miami. Adding a top-tier star at this exact moment gives the touring debut a massive boost.

The rumors gained traction after his shocking release from WWE on June 2, 2021. Most fans assumed he would be sidelined for at least three months due to standard contract restrictions. However, a major administrative error has changed the entire timeline.

The Non-Compete Loophole

Writers at several major outlets have confirmed that WWE failed to update Black’s non-compete clause. When he graduated from NXT to the main roster, WWE did not update his contract to the standard 90-day restriction. Instead, he remained under the NXT standard of a 30-day non-compete window.

This clerical error means his restriction expired on July 2, 2021. He is now legally free to sign and appear on television for any rival promotion. AEW management has reportedly moved quickly to finalize a deal.

This situation recalls the legal chaos of 1996 when WWF sued WCW over Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, as detailed in the PWTorch 90s Pastcast. While WWE is not suing AEW here, the administrative blunder has left them powerless to stop their rival from capitalizing on a fresh release.

Career Trajectory and Fit

Black’s career in WWE was a story of two halves. In NXT, he was a dominant force, capturing the NXT Championship and putting on classics against Andrade and Johnny Gargano. His striking-heavy style and dark, mysterious persona made him a fan favorite.

His crowning moment came at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans on April 7, 2018. He defeated Andrade "Cien" Almas in a grueling eighteen-minute match to capture the NXT Title. Despite interference from manager Zelina Vega, Black hit his signature Black Mass spin kick for the pinfall.

His main roster run, however, was a creative disaster. After a brief tag team run with Ricochet, he spent months sitting in a dark room pleading with opponents to knock on his door. He was drafted to SmackDown, taken off TV, and then released just one week after debuting a new "Dark Father" character.

Why the AEW Style Suits Black

AEW offers the creative freedom that Black has publicly craved. The promotion's focus on athletic, hard-hitting matches aligns perfectly with his kickboxing background. He can immediately step into high-profile programs with AEW's top stars.

The locker room is full of opponents who match his physical style. Matches against Kenny Omega, Hangman Page, or Pac would draw massive fan interest. AEW's presentation of serious, sport-like contests fits his occult character.

We can compare this style to his best matches outside of NXT. For instance, his hard-hitting series with Buddy Murphy in late 2019 featured heavy knee strikes and brainbusters. In AEW, he can unleash that full arsenal without corporate restrictions.

Creative Direction Potential

The primary target for Black’s debut is reportedly Cody Rhodes. Rhodes represents the establishment in AEW, making him the perfect foil for an invading force. A feud between the two could anchor the summer television storylines.

Black’s dark character also opens the door for a new faction. Fans are already speculating about a group built around his gothic aesthetic. This could lead to fresh match-ups against babyfaces like Darby Allin or Orange Cassidy.

However, there is a risk that his character could become too self-indulgent. Black's WWE run showed that without a strong creative filter, his promos can become overly cryptic and slow. AEW must ensure his character work does not overshadow his in-ring performance.

We saw this issue arise during his feud with Kevin Owens on Raw in 2020. The storylines became bogged down in backstage vignettes rather than raw action. AEW must avoid this trap by keeping him active in the ring.

Expected Impact and Probability

If this deal goes through, it immediately elevates AEW's midcard and main event scenes. Black is a ready-made star who can work with anyone from Hangman Page to Kenny Omega. He adds depth to a roster that is preparing for a grueling touring schedule.

For WWE, this is an embarrassing blow. Losing a talent of Black's caliber due to a contract error is a bad look. It shows a lack of attention to detail at a time when AEW is actively hunting for their top talent.

Ultimately, Black's success will depend on his booking. If AEW allows him to showcase his striking and keeps his storylines focused, he will be a main eventer within a year. If they let him get bogged down in overly complex occult lore, he may suffer the same fate he did in WWE.

Probability Assessment

We rate the probability of Malakai Black signing with AEW at 95%. The alignment of his expired non-compete clause and AEW's return to the road makes this deal nearly certain. The promotion needs a major spark, and Black is ready to deliver.

Sources close to the situation indicate that talks progressed rapidly once the contract error was discovered. AEW has a track record of signing top-tier ex-WWE talent, and Black fits their recruitment profile perfectly. Only an unexpected last-minute hitch could derail this deal.

Expected Debut Timeline

Expect Black to make his presence felt on the July 7, 2021 episode of Dynamite. The Road Rager event in Miami is the ideal stage for his introduction. A surprise appearance in front of a hot, live crowd would maximize the shock value.

If he does not appear in Miami, the July 14, 2021 Fyter Fest night one show is the backup option. However, Tony Khan will likely want to make a statement on night one of the tour. The Miami crowd is expecting surprises, and Black is the perfect fit.

As discussed in the recent retrospective on the PWTorch Dailycast, the energy of a returning crowd is a powerful tool. Debuting Black in front of fans rather than an empty Daily's Place is a smart business move.