This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
AEW has reportedly agreed to grant Malakai Black's request to be released from his contract.
It was reported last week that Black sought his release, apparently citing factors of his personal life, mental health and discontent with the booking of his persona in AEW. The company reportedly denied Black's initial request, but it looks like there has been a change of heart from the higher-ups.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com, several AEW starts believe that the 37-year-old wrestler "was granted his conditional release from AEW." Sapp added that they haven't received confirmation yet from the company.
There is a lot of drama going on behind the scenes in AEW. The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, Pat Buck, Brandon Cutler, Christopher Daniels and Michael Nakazawa have all been suspended following an intense physical altercation following the All Out pay-per-view. The statuses of both CM Punk and Ace Steel haven't been announced, though there's speculation that both could get fired.
As previously noted, CM Punk went on a massive rant against "Hangman" Adam Page and Colt Cabana in a media scrum following All Out. This led to a heated confrontation backstage involving Punk, Steel and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) that turned physical.
RELATED: CM Punk Meets With Tony Khan To Determine Future In AEW, Possible Exit From Company
Now, just 14 months after debuting for AEW at the Road Rager special, Black is on his way out. Needless to say, there's a lot for Tony Khan and AEW officials to sort through in the coming weeks.
Could Malakai Black Eye A Return To WWE?
Nothing has been confirmed, but it's quite possible that Black is eyeing a return to the WWE. He's married to WWE star Zelina Vega, who was brought back in July of last year. Black was among the notable WWE superstar cuts in June of last year, but Triple H has brought back a plethora of previously released talents over the past six weeks.
Black was one of the top stars on Triple H's NXT brand, but the former didn't get much of a push under Vince McMahon following his move to the main roster. With The Game now serving as the Head of Talent Relations, perhaps Black is excited about the idea of coming back to WWE. And one has to think that Triple H would be keen to bring him back.
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