10 Greatest Debuts In Modern Wrestling History

There are bigger and more prestigious names on this list, but context makes Malakai Black's AEW debut one of the best moments here. With AEW riding the crest of a wave, restoring people's faith in both in-ring action and grown-up, cohesive storytelling, superstars jumping from WWE to AEW were greeted like men and women being released from captivity.

Despite showing that he had everything a performer needs to succeed at the highest level during his superb run in NXT, Alistair Black was one of the most egregious wastes of talent to be called up to the main roster in WWE history. Being nothing more than an afterthought instead of being the heir apparent to The Undertaker, Black was finally released on June 2nd, 2021.

As most wrestlers have to take months away as part of "no compete" clauses in their contract, Malakai Black's debut came just over one month from his WWE release. It was shocking and perfectly executed, as golden boy Cody Rhodes stood in the ring, the arena lights went out at the Road Rager episode of Dynamite, and Malakai Black was revealed, standing tall. His roundhouse kick to Cody's face was perfect, as this surprise debut cemented its place in AEW folklore.