Tom Büdgen is a skilled grappler and martial artist from the Netherlands, who used to go by Aleister Black in WWE, currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as Malakai Black. Before AEW, he also wrestled in various wrestling federations including the Big Japan Pro Wrestling, Combat Zone Wrestling, Evolve Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, Westside Xtreme Wrestling, Southside Wrestling Entertainment, International Catch Wrestling Alliance, Fiend Wrestling Germany, Pro Wrestling Showdown, and Insane Championship Wrestling. Since then he made a name for himself in the International wrestling circuit for his unmatched skills.
As of now, Malakai Black is leading the villainous group named the "House of Black" in AEW, which consists of Buddy Matthews, Julia Hart, and Brody King. Malakai started hinting at the entrance of the House of Black in July 2021, leading to vignettes and Brody King's introduction on January 12, 2022. Buddy Matthews, Brody King, and Malakai hold the record for the longest reign as the former AEW World Trios Champions.
Tattoos of Malakai Black
One of the most remarkable aspects of Malakai Black, apart from his distinctive discolored eye, is his vast array of tattoos. Each tattoo carries a special significance, often drawing inspiration from religious and mythological themes.
The Demon Lilith
Malakai's most striking tattoo is a haunting portrait of Lilith also known as “The demon Lilith”, completed in May 2016 after several months of work. In the ancient era, Lilith preyed on artists, poets, pregnant women, and infants. In the Middle Ages, she was depicted as Adam's first wife who refused subordination and was banished from Eden. Malakai's tattoo captures a dark and intimidating image, fitting for his persona as AEW's resident devil worshipper.
Angelic Palm Reader
Malakai has inked an intriguing tattoo on his left chest, which he refers to as the "angelic palm reader." He got this piece in the summer of 2015. The tattoo features a hand with a prominent eye in its palm, adorned with various astrological symbols that extend onto the fingers.
Hindu Goddess Mahakali
In the center of Malakai's chest lies a tattoo of Kali, the Hindu goddess embodying time, doomsday, and death. Kali's fierce and violent nature makes her a captivating figure, especially admired by wrestlers like Malakai.
Hindu God Yama
Malakai Black's tattoo of the Hindu deity Yama, who represents death, is inked diagonally beneath the image of the goddess Kali. Similar to Kali, Yama is a death figure who also governs justice and the underworld.
In Hindu mythology, Yama was the first mortal to experience death, leading to his role as the god of death. His representations have evolved. They were initially portrayed as a gentle guardian of the dead. He later became known as a judge who delivered verdicts on the deceased, deciding their rightful punishments in the afterlife.
Hindu God Mahakala
Malakai’s chest and midsection feature a trio of Hindu deities, with Mahakala positioned beneath Kali and adjacent to Yama. Mahakala, revered as the god of time, creation, destruction, and power, holds a significant place in Hindu mythology. Known for his fearsome aspect, Mahakala is also the formidable husband of Mahakali. As a couple, they embody the potential for utter annihilation, being the deities associated with destruction and the end of the world.
Grim Reaper
Under his wrestling attire, Malakai has a tattoo of the Grim Reaper holding a bouquet of flowers and the words "Borrowed Time," which is rarely visible to spectators. One of his creepiest tattoos was obtained in the summer of 2015.
Dragon Tattoo
Malakai Black, the leader of the House of Black, took Instagram to share a video, unveiling his newest tattoo: a dragon starting to come to life on the left side of his head, a piece being crafted by Eddie Saraiva.
Ella Fitzgerald
Malakai has an Ella Fitzgerald image on his left hand. Fitzgerald, a well-known jazz singer from the United States, was known as "The First Lady of Song." She sold over 40 million CDs and won thirteen Grammy Awards over her career. "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" and "Dream a Little Dream of Me" are two of her most well-known tunes among her numerous hits.