Malakai Black’s return to PROGRESS Wrestling wasn’t just about winning championships—it was about coming home. After capturing the PROGRESS Men’s World Championship earlier this month, Black’s first reign came to an end on September 27 when Cara Noir regained the title. The loss, however, quickly became secondary to what happened after the bell.
Instead of simply heading to the back, Black grabbed a microphone and addressed the fans who had supported him long before WWE or AEW ever entered the picture. It turned into a heartfelt thank-you to the promotion that helped launch his career—and by the time he finished talking, he had officially closed the book on the name fans had known for years.
Speaking to the PROGRESS crowd after the match, Black made it clear that the promotion has always meant more to him than just another independent booking. He credited PROGRESS and its fans for helping him build the career that eventually took him to WWE and AEW, while revealing that returning to the company was never intended to be a short stop.
“Without this place, I wouldn’t have the WWEs, AEWs, and I only have the platform now because of people like you and companies like PROGRESS. I know wrestlers like to come out here and say that, but I’ve been PROGRESS from the start. That’s why, when I got released, Damo was the first one on the phone and said, ‘Come back.’ He asked, ‘When? Where? How many times?’ I said, ‘However long you want,’ because I’m in for the long haul.”
As emotional as that speech already was, Black wasn’t quite finished. Before leaving the ring, he made one final announcement that drew a huge reaction from the crowd.
“Hey, you clearly need your reference ready—it’s not Malakai Black, it’s Tommy End.”
With those few words, Black officially retired the name he used throughout his AEW run and returned to the identity that helped establish him on the independent scene. It also sends a pretty clear message about where his mindset is these days. Rather than looking at PROGRESS as a quick stop between bigger opportunities, Tommy End says he’s back for the long haul—and now he’s doing it under the name that started it all.
What do you think of Malakai Black officially becoming Tommy End again? Let us know in the comments below.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
