For the first time since AEW All Out, Malakai Black stepped back into the wrestling ring.
Black returned to action this past Saturday, where he wrestled and had a win over Kidd Bandit at Prestige Pro Wrestling in Pomona, California.
After the match, Black took to the mic and said he understands that there are a lot of questions and that he will answer them in due time. He then said that in 22 years, he has not taken a step back and recalibrated his life either inside or outside of the ring. He further said he had blinders on and thought globally and not locally when it comes to his career and that is what got him to come to the United States in the first place.
Black also told fans in attendance he is not done yet. He then asked the fans to give him a few weeks – a few months to recalibrate himself and then promised that this was not goodbye.
Following the House of Black’s loss to Darby Allin, Sting & Miro at All Out, what was not shown on camera, was Black blowing kisses to the crowd and waving as if he was done with AEW. During the media scrum, Tony Khan would not answer questions about Black’s status.
There have been reports Black asked for his release from AEW to deal with mental health issues. Additional reports have said Black and Tony Khan worked a “highly conditional” release, with speculation that he will not be able appear for another nationally televised promotion for nine months.