Malik Blade Bio
Early Life and Background
Josh Dawkins, known in the wrestling world as Malik Blade, was born in Orlando, Florida. He is the nephew of former NBA player Darryl Dawkins, which adds a notable legacy to his athletic background. Growing up in a family with a strong sports presence, Dawkins was naturally drawn to athletics from a young age.
Path to WWE
Dawkins began his wrestling journey by training at the D-Von Dudley Academy, where he honed his skills under the guidance of the legendary wrestler D-Von Dudley. He made his professional wrestling debut in 2018, quickly establishing himself on the independent circuit in Orlando. His early exposure to wrestling set the stage for his eventual signing with WWE.
Malik Blade Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
After debuting in 2018, Dawkins worked diligently to develop his craft, competing in various independent promotions. His training and dedication paid off as he began to gain recognition in the wrestling community, leading to opportunities with larger promotions.
WWE Breakthrough (2021–Present)
Dawkins made his official debut with WWE on the NXT brand on October 5, 2021, under the ring name Malik Blade, where he faced Tony D’Angelo in his first match. His early appearances included a notable match at NXT: Halloween Havoc against Joe Gacy. In addition to his NXT appearances, he showcased his talent on 205 Live in late 2021. On December 12, 2022, he made his Main Event debut, teaming with Edris Enofé in a tag team match against Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali. Blade’s journey continued with a significant victory over Bronco Nima at NXT: The Great American Bash on July 30, 2024. However, his career faced challenges, including a torn ACL injury in November 2024, which impacted his performance.
WWE Era (2021–Present)
Since joining WWE, Malik Blade has been a part of various storylines and matches, showcasing his skills and resilience. His partnership with Edris Enofé was a highlight until Enofé’s injury and subsequent decision to go solo in May 2025. Blade’s ability to adapt and continue performing at a high level will be crucial as he navigates the challenges ahead in his wrestling career.
Professional Wrestler Style and Strengths
Malik Blade is known for his agility and technical prowess in the ring. His training under D-Von Dudley has equipped him with a diverse skill set, allowing him to engage audiences with both high-flying maneuvers and strategic grappling techniques.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
While still early in his career, Malik Blade has made significant strides in WWE, including memorable matches and a growing fanbase. His victory at NXT: The Great American Bash marks a key milestone in his journey.
Malik Blade Career Wins
Malik Blade has begun to establish himself in the wrestling world, with notable performances in WWE’s NXT and Main Event. As his career progresses, he is expected to accumulate more wins and accolades.
Current WWE Series Highlights
As of 2025, Malik Blade has achieved a victory at NXT: The Great American Bash and continues to compete actively in WWE. His journey is marked by resilience and determination, with fans eagerly anticipating his next moves in the ring.
Previous WWE Series Achievements
Blade’s early matches in NXT and 205 Live have set the foundation for his career. His participation in significant events has showcased his potential and skill, contributing to his growing reputation in the wrestling community.
Malik Blade Family
Family Background and WWE Lineage
Malik Blade comes from a family with a strong athletic background, being the nephew of Darryl Dawkins. This connection to sports has undoubtedly influenced his career choices and aspirations in professional wrestling.
Personal Life
Details about Malik Blade’s personal life remain private, with a focus primarily on his wrestling career and achievements. His dedication to the sport continues to drive his professional journey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presents a pivotal year for Malik Blade as he aims to recover from his injury and reestablish himself in the ring. His recent victory at NXT: The Great American Bash has provided a boost in momentum, and as he navigates the challenges of returning to full strength, fans are eager to see how he will adapt and grow within WWE. Blade’s resilience and determination will be key as he looks to make a significant impact in the upcoming matches and storylines.
