PWInsider reports Malakai Black’s AEW contract extends through the WWE Royal Rumble 2025 event on February 1, preventing his participation in the match. Sources indicate Black will become a free agent in February or March.
The report arrives as Black’s departure from AEW becomes evident on television. During the recent episode of Dynamite, remaining House of Black members Brody King, Buddy Matthews, and Julia Hart appeared in a video segment without Black, referencing that “the voices that guided them” had gone silent.
Changes to the group’s presentation further signal Black’s exit. Julia Hart’s entrance music now includes “the Hart always wins” instead of “the House always wins.” Additionally, King and Matthews have filed trademark applications for “Hounds of Hell” and “Hell Hounds” as potential new team names.
According to PWInsider’s sources, there have been no discussions regarding any final appearances for Black in AEW before his departure.