Malakai Black would have likely thrived in New Japan Pro Wrestling, but the security of WWE NXT was too much for him to turn down.
On a recent edition of the “Developmentally Speaking” podcast, Malakai Black recalled his WWE NXT run, and why he chose the gold brand over going to NJPW. He said,
“At the time, New Japan just started talking to wXw about possibly bringing me in. At the same time, I had NXT offers as well. So I was kind of like, ‘What am I going to do?’ I thought to myself, ‘Okay, so your NXT contract is three to five years guaranteed. New Japan might get you over and go well that was a fun three weeks, see you.’
“I was like, ‘If I’m 30 now, I sign with WWE, I have a three, maybe five-year run, hopefully it’s pretty decent. But at least whatever happens, I will have better financial stability and I will be a bigger star than I am now and it will help me in every asset, and who knows what can come with it.’ So, for me, it was the logical choice.”
Black, a former WWE NXT Champion, has yet to compete at a solely New Japan event, but did work the AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door show in June 2022.
Malakai Black, also known as Aleister Black during his time in WWE, recently revealed that he had the opportunity to join New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) but ultimately chose to sign with WWE’s developmental brand, NXT. In a podcast interview, Black explained his decision, citing the security and financial stability offered by WWE as the main factors.
At the time when New Japan expressed interest in him, Black was also receiving offers from NXT. He found himself at a crossroads, contemplating the potential benefits of each option. On one hand, New Japan could have provided him with a shorter-term opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially gain popularity. However, there was also the risk of being overlooked or not having a long-term commitment from the promotion.
On the other hand, signing with WWE NXT meant a guaranteed contract for three to five years. Black recognized that this would provide him with better financial stability and the opportunity to become a bigger star. He believed that even if his run in WWE was not perfect, it would still elevate his status and open doors for future opportunities.
Black’s decision to choose WWE NXT over NJPW has proven to be a significant turning point in his career. During his time in NXT, he achieved great success, becoming the NXT Champion and leaving a lasting impact on the brand. His unique character and in-ring abilities made him a fan favorite and helped him stand out among his peers.
Although Black has yet to compete at a solely New Japan event, he did make an appearance at the AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door show in June 2022. This collaboration between All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and NJPW allowed him to showcase his talents to a wider audience and further solidify his reputation as a top-tier performer.
While it is interesting to speculate how Black’s career might have unfolded in New Japan, it is clear that his decision to join WWE NXT has paid off. He has gained valuable experience, achieved championship success, and built a strong fan base. Additionally, his time in NXT has served as a stepping stone to his current position in AEW, where he continues to thrive and captivate audiences with his captivating character and intense in-ring style.
In conclusion, Malakai Black’s decision to sign with WWE NXT instead of joining New Japan Pro Wrestling was driven by the security and financial stability offered by WWE. Although he may have missed out on a potential opportunity in NJPW, his time in NXT has proven to be a pivotal moment in his career, leading to championship success and opening doors for future endeavors. Black’s journey serves as a reminder that sometimes the logical choice can lead to great achievements and personal growth in the world of professional wrestling.