Aleister Black, formerly known as Malakai Black during his AEW tenure, recently identified his all-time favorite match within the Jacksonville-based wrestling promotion, naming a bout against Cody Rhodes. Black’s time in All Elite Wrestling spanned from 2021 to 2025 before he returned to <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE, where he currently competes on the SmackDown brand. His standout match with Rhodes, which took place in Orlando, holds a special place in his AEW career.
The 40-year-old wrestler gained significant recognition as part of The House of Black faction alongside Buddy Matthews and Brody King. Their group’s rise culminated in winning the Trios Championships at AEW’s Revolution event in early 2023. Despite his departure from AEW, Black maintains strong memories of his most defining moments, especially his encounter with Rhodes, which he considers a career highlight.
Clarifying Misconceptions About Aleister Black’s AEW Commitment
Amid ongoing rumors suggesting that Aleister Black was reluctant to join AEW, the wrestler firmly dismissed such claims in a recent episode of The Masked Man Show. He emphasized that reports portraying him as disinterested in the promotion are inaccurate and that he enjoyed his experience despite not fully controlling his creative direction.
“It becomes this thing where people want to desperately have a narrative. ‘He never wanted to be in AEW.’ That’s completely false. That’s absolutely not true. I had a great time in AEW. I had a lot of fun. Did I do everything that I wanted to do? No, but that’s okay. At the end of the day, that’s not my company and I don’t have any say,” said Black [H/T: WrestlePurists on X]
Black also addressed speculation about his attitude toward losing matches, countering suggestions that he refused to take losses during his AEW stint. These clarifications reveal his professional outlook and acceptance of the limitations within his role during his time with Tony Khan’s company.
Significance of the Black-Rhodes Encounter and Black’s AEW Journey
The match between Aleister Black and Cody Rhodes stands out not just for its in-ring quality but for how it reflects Black’s commitment and passion during his AEW run. Known for his intense style and deep storytelling ability, Black’s candid reflections offer insight into the challenges and highlights he experienced. As the wrestling community continues to analyze his career trajectory, this iconic bout remains a shining example of his potential and skill.
Looking forward, Aleister Black’s return to WWE marks a new chapter, but his AEW moments, especially the epic clash with Rhodes, continue to resonate with fans and analysts alike. The match’s legacy underscores the high-caliber storytelling AEW has brought to professional wrestling, spotlighting key figures like Black, Rhodes, and members of The House of Black faction such as Buddy Matthews and Brody King.
