The Inside Story Of Malakai Black's AEW Debut

Here's how Malakai Black's striking AEW arrival (and win over Cody Rhodes) came to life.

by Andy H Murray
Malakai Black
AEW

Tony Khan came up with the framework for Malakai Black's AEW debut and first match with Cody Rhodes.

As reported by Dave Meltzer in this week's edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Khan devised the former Tommy End debuting by attacking Arn Anderson building towards the Rhodes match. The AEW founder also suggested that Black defeat Rhodes cleanly, selling Cody on the idea as this was the right time, place, and occasion to put somebody over strong.

Timing-wise, it worked out perfectly. Rhodes is currently off television filming season two of the Go-Big show for TNT.

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Black, meanwhile, came up with some of the material in between the program's biggest moments, including all of his promos.

Released by WWE on 2 June, Malakai was able to debut in AEW on 7 July as an administrative error meant he was bound only to a 30-day non-compete clause, not the standard 90 days that main roster stars are usually beholden to. Anderson and Rhodes were both wiped out by head kicks on his first night, with Cody eating a five-minute squash defeat on Dynamite: Homecoming four weeks later.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.