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AEW star Malakai Black may be on his way out of the company. He signed with the product in 2021 and had a great singles run. Later, he was joined by Buddy Matthews, Brody King, and Julia Hart. Since getting injured last year, Julia has yet to be reunited with her crew on TV.
The AEW World Trios Champion's contract is a major topic on social media. Many fans claim that he will be finishing up with the Jacksonville-based promotion in 2027. A few weeks ago, his match against Adam Cole had a strange ending. After losing the contest, the House of Black leader emotionally waved at the crowd before heading back.
Fans believed Malakai Black wrestled his last bout in AEW and hinted at potential retirement. However, a few hours following the match, he took to social media and cleared the air. The star claimed that his bowing down was a gesture of gratitude toward the audience.
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Recently, a report claimed that the House of Black leader may be done with AEW. The update didn't include his future destination. Fans praised his creative entrance, interesting character work, and innovative in-ring performance throughout his stint.
Let's look at some names AEW should build as the next Malakai Black.
#4. Brian Keith
The star is part of Chris Jericho's Learning Tree member faction. Before joining the heel group, he was known as the Bounty Hunter. His mysterious character intrigued the audience. However, an injury changed the course of his career, and following a hiatus, he was booked to be a part of the group.
Now that Malakai Black is leaving AEW, Keith can replace him as the mysterious figure. While his entrance might not be as eerie as Black's, Bryan could easily be repackaged as the Bounty Hunter and become AEW's next Malakai Black.
#3. Jack Perry
The Scapegoat was one of the worst gimmicks of last year. The character emerged from his altercation with CM Punk at All in 2023. Also, his TNT Championship reign last year was mediocre. He might need a new gimmick after his dull character work in 2024.
Jack Perry may replace Malakai Black. To complete the transformation, the former could intensify his character and promos.
#2. Preston Vance
Preston Vance is currently a LFI member. He has a massive physique but lacks character work. He was a part of the Dark Order during the early years of AEW. After being unmasked, he was given a decent push for a few months.
The Tony Khan-led promotion could easily repackage him as a mysterious figure. His insane body build would make him intimidating to both fans and opponents.
#1. Malakai Black's prodigy: Brody King
Malakai Black, Brody King, and Buddy Matthews have dominated the trio's division for many years. However, after a while, they were lost in the shuffle.
On the latest Dynamite, Will Ospreay advised Buddy Matthews to wrestle individually. Now that he is allegedly leaving and Buddy recently teased a singles run, Brody should be the top choice for the group leader's replacement.
Brody King already proved his in-ring skills during the Continental Classic tournament. He delivers intimidating promos and possesses the same aura as Malakai. He could even form his faction in the future.
If the AEW World Trios Champion leaves AEW, it will be interesting to see who the accurate replacement will be.
