Aleister Black Praises Brody King’s Rise in AEW Success

Aleister Black expressed his satisfaction seeing Brody King achieve notable success in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Before Black’s departure from AEW to WWE, the two were part of The House of Black stable, alongside Buddy Matthews and Julia Hart. King has since captured the AEW Tag Team Championship with Bandido and even challenged for the AEW World Championship, ultimately falling to MJF.

Black shared these insights during an interview with The Stunner, revealing that he anticipated the faction’s members would thrive after his exit. Prior to leaving AEW in early 2025, Black, King, and Matthews held an extensive conversation about their futures, mutually agreeing that changing directions could be beneficial for all involved.

Discussion on the Need for New Directions Within The House of Black

It was a very thorough conversation between me, [King], and Buddy. They were in agreement. They were like, ‘Yeah, we also think that it might be best, you know, to change course.’ Because we felt that we were hitting a wall constantly. Not in a malicious way, not in a bad way. Like, there’s only so much room and so much time for everybody, which is fine,

Black explained.

Black also predicted a surge in King’s profile once he moved in a fresh direction. He explained how he initially highlighted King’s potential to AEW president Tony Khan because he recognized his talent early on. Black recounted how he helped King adopt a more impactful wrestling style, encouraging him to focus on single, powerful moves rather than multiple strikes.

Brody King
Image of: Brody King

Transforming Brody King’s Wrestling Approach to Enhance His Character

He picked up on that tremendously. He saw that it was more effective. He saw that it helped his character get over. He was just one of those guys that I feel was a big diamond in the rough. He’s a good dude. I have a lot of love for him. We fight like brothers, even back then, and sometimes I’m his dad and sometimes he’s my dad. We’ve always had a good relationship, and I am very, very happy for him. Because that’s what should happen. Unique guy, charismatic guy, talented guy.

– Aleister Black

This shift not only made King more efficient in the ring but also strengthened his character’s appeal to fans. Black’s description illustrates the strong bond between the two wrestlers, highlighting a relationship marked by camaraderie and mutual respect.

Challenges Faced by Buddy Matthews and Black’s Transition to WWE

While Brody King has ascended within AEW, Buddy Matthews has faced setbacks due to an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined for over a year. Meanwhile, Aleister Black’s last match in AEW occurred in November 2024 before his official departure in February 2025.

Currently, Black competes on WWE SmackDown, where he teams up with his wife Zelina Vega. His move marks a new chapter in his career while King continues to build momentum within AEW’s competitive landscape.

Significance of Brody King’s Progress and AEW’s Future Landscape

Brody King’s steady rise exemplifies how changing paths can reinvigorate careers in professional wrestling. His evolution from a member of The House of Black to a championship contender reflects AEW’s capacity to cultivate unique talent. King’s success, alongside challenges faced by other faction members, signals an active and shifting dynamic within AEW’s roster.

As Black settles into his WWE role, King’s AEW journey remains one to watch, with fans and colleagues alike keenly observing how his career continues to develop in the wrestling world.

Thomas Schultz
Thomas Schultz
Thomas Schultz is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the AEW Men’s Division. With one year of experience, he reports on match results, storyline developments, and the rising stars shaping All Elite Wrestling. Thomas brings a fresh perspective and a commitment to accurate, engaging coverage of AEW’s top talent and weekly action. His writing captures the energy, rivalries, and momentum behind one of wrestling’s fastest-growing promotions. From major title bouts to emerging contenders, Thomas keeps fans up to date on everything happening in the AEW men’s roster.