Malakai Black has arrived in All Elite Wrestling, and his time with the company is off to a remarkable start.
On AEW Dynamite: Homecoming, Black faced Cody Rhodes in a heated grudge match just a few short weeks after the man once known as Aleister Black debuted by attacking “The American Nightmare” and Arn Anderson.
In the main event on Wednesday night, Rhodes initially held his own against Black, but it wasn’t long before what fans could easily recognize as the Black Mass put the former TNT Champion down for the decisive three count. By defeating Rhodes, Black has cemented his spot as one of AEW’s top stars to watch in the weeks that follow.
WOW! #MalakaiBlack just bulldozed through @CodyRhodes!
Tune in to @tntdrama NOW to watch #AEWDynamite Homecoming! pic.twitter.com/xPikyOtvaA
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 5, 2021
After the match, Rhodes struggled to his feet and delivered an emotional promo. He talked about how he had wanted to honor the legacy of his father, Dusty, before that dream later turned into the “revolution” that is now All Elite Wrestling. “The American Nightmare” expressed that he’s been the face of the company since it began, so maybe it’s time for some new faces to get the spotlight. He thanked the fans and took off his boot, seemingly about to announce his retirement. But before he could utter the words, Black returned to the ring and attacked him to end the show.
Has #MalakaiBlack retired @CodyRhodes??? pic.twitter.com/FKH2Vqr8uC
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 5, 2021
