There has been a lot of talk recently about Malakai Black’s future in AEW. Sources told Fightful that Black’s contract could expire at the end of this year or early in 2025. After last week’s Dynamite, it appeared that Black was saying goodbye, but on social media, he denied the reports, and on Dynamite, Black and Brody King beat FTR.
While speaking on the Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross stated that he had heard about Black’s contract expiring soon and that the decision to have House of Black beat FTR surprised him, but it was a wise booking choice.
Ross said, “I was shocked, to be honest with you, that FTR lost [on Dynamite]. I was just assuming because of the rumored situation of Mr. Black leaving. I think his contract is expiring…he’s a hell of a hand. I love the guy. He’s a nice guy, smart guy. He’d be good in the booker’s room. I thought FTR would go over based on my assumptions of what was going on. I’m glad I didn’t go to Vegas to bet on that one because I would have bet my f**king farm on FTR winning and they didn’t. I think that’s great. I just think it’s great booking. What it will do is set up the House of Black spinoff with Private Party and that will do worlds of good for Private Party…they’ve got the tag titles. Now let’s see what they do with them. Are they gonna expand their game? Is it not gonna be a spot fest every time. Are they occasionally gonna work a hold? A lot of the boys don’t understand that working a hold can be great for your storytelling if you choose to let it…”
Ross added, “All in all I thought Dynamite was a really good show. I enjoyed the hell out of it.”
(h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription)
