Backstage Information On When Malakai Black’s AEW Contract Actually Expires

Malakai Black signed with AEW a month after his WWE release due to an error with his non-compete agreement. Therefore, coming off WWE television, he was immediately presented as a star and would twice defeat Cody Rhodes. Yet, despite his initial push, he would slide down the pecking order in the following months, and it’s understood he went as far as to ask for his release, with multiple reasons speculated.

And now, following the news that his House of Black stablemate Buddy Matthews signed a new contract earlier this year, PWInsider.com has reported Black’s deal goes into next year, which is contrary to Tony Khan’s previous claim that it ran until 2027. Why the times differ isn’t clear, although it could be due to their being options to extend the contract under certain circumstances.

“PWInsider.com is also told that Malakai Black is currently signed to a deal that takes him into 2025.”

It has long been thought that despite previously being released by WWE, Black would be welcomed back to the company now that Triple H is in charge of creative. However, the same was thought about Matthews, and he just proved his commitment to AEW. Therefore, it seems only time will tell whether the 39-year-old former NXT Champion will remain with the promotion that gave him a second opportunity to be a star or he instead look to return “home,” where his wife, Zelina Vega, works.