AEW star Malakai Black has dominated headlines recently following rumors of his departure from the promotion. Reports indicate that Malakai Black may be nearing the end of his AEW run.

After news of his potential exit surfaced, it was reported that WWE is interested in bringing back Malakai Black in the promotion. Recent developments in AEW suggest that Black might have already left the promotion. On AEW Dynamite last week, Will Ospreay faced Buddy Matthews, a member of Malakai Black’s faction.

While Ospreay defeated Matthews, he had a message for him and Brody King, another House of Black member. Ospreay told them that neither man needed to follow a leader hinting that both could potentially leave the faction.

Reports suggest Malakai Black is likely wrapping up his AEW tenure, with his free agency set for February or March. The latest events, including Will Ospreay’s comments, strongly suggest Black may already be gone from the promotion.

AEW Collision drops a major hint at Malakai Black’s potential departure

Will Ospreay recently hinted at Malakai Black’s departure, and another AEW star dropped a similar clue during AEW Collision. In a backstage segment on Collision, Adam Copeland approached Brody King and Julia Hart, sparking speculation.

Copeland expressed his respect for the faction members and encouraged King and Hart to take control and forge their own paths. He urged the members of the House of Black to move forward without Black.

Adam Copeland added weight to the growing belief that Black has already left the promotion. For now, there is no intervention from Black himself, and AEW seems to focus on individual futures for the House of Black members.

This suggests AEW is preparing for a post-Black era, as Buddy Matthews, Brody King, and Julia Hart are being encouraged to pursue singles careers. It will be interesting to see what plans the promotion has for each of them.