Aleister Black was released by the company back in June of this year, much to the shock of fans and pro wrestlers alike. This shocking news came after several months of floundering on the main roster in WWE.

The former NXT Champion shocked the pro wrestling world when he made his debut last month on an episode of AEW Dynamite. Going by the name Malakai Black, he laid out both Cody Rhodes and Arn Anderson, signaling his intentions. His first match will take place tonight at AEW Homecoming.

While speaking on Talk is Jericho, Malakai Black discussed the advice he got from WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels. Black stated that the tutelage he received from Michaels and Terry Taylor taught him how to wrestle in a way where performing flash moves would make sense.

“Shawn was always considered a smaller guy but he revolutionized the business,” Black said on the show. Black then spoke about how guys like Shawn Michaels and Terry Taylor used to be criticized in their days for just doing flashy moves.

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“It was funny to hear that guys like (Terry Taylor) and (Shawn) Michaels, guys from two different eras, would get the same criticism that a lot of us get now. But, he was one of those guys (who told us) to make it okay but find a way to do it, find a way for it to make sense.”

“You’re never ever going to convince everyone and your goal is not to convince everyone. Your goal is to progress the business in the way that the business is installed in 2021 by also maintaining the old school and maintaining what is relevant and keeping an ear on the ground to look at pop culture and what is current, and Shawn was great at that.”

With Malakai Black now finally in AEW, his feud with Cody Rhodes could soon come to a head. Black will face off against Cody Rhodes at AEW Homecoming in his in-ring debut. We will have to wait and see how he fares in the match. AEW certainly seems to know how to book him thus far.

What’s your take on this story? Sound off in the comments!

Subhojeet Mukherjee

Subhojeet is a professional wrestling fan for over 22 years. He got captivated by the sport during the Monday Night Wars and has a passion for it ever since. He also enjoys TV shows, movies, anime, novels and music, which broadens his perspective and appreciation for wrestling. He is a knowledgeable and respected voice in the industry.

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