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After making his debut on AEW this week, Tommy End/Aleister Black/Malakai Black has got the whole pro-wrestling world talking about him. The talented Dutchman was only released by WWE last month.
The Dutch Destroyer had some positive moments going back to his days in NXT after signing for WWE in 2016.
Before arriving into the WWE Universe, he worked extensively around the independent scene, particularly in the UK and around Europe, for companies such Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw), Progress Wrestling, and Insane Championship Wrestling. He even worked in the States for promotions such as Evolve.
Let's look at five of Aleister Black AKA Malakai Black's best moments in WWE.
#5 Aleister Black or Malakai Black made his WWE debut at NXT TakeOver: Orlando
On a night that was headlined by Bobby Roode defending the NXT Title against Shinsuke Nakamura, Black made his in-ring debut for the black-and-gold brand. He was pitted against Andrade 'Cien' Almas, who was also trying to make a name for himself in NXT.
In a match that went almost ten minutes, Black defeated Andrade with his Black Mass. It was an impressive debut from the Dutchman in a match that showcased both of these talented superstars.
#4 Winning multiple NXT year-end awards in 2017
Following his impressive NXT debut, Black's career in NXT went from strength to strength.
When the annual NXT awards were announced, The Dutch Destroyer scooped up three of them, capping off a successful 2017. Black won the Breakout Star of the Year, Rivalry of the Year, and Male Competitor of the Year.
After defeating Andrade, Black went on to face Hideo Itami, known as KENTA in NJPW, before feuding with Velveteen Dream. He defeated both men in their respective matches.
But 2017 was also the year that Aleister Black suffered his first defeat on the December 27th episode of NXT, after being pinned by Johnny Gargano in a Fatal 4-Way match, and was targeted by the Undisputed Era.
It was clear after 2017 that Aleister Black was going to become a huge name on the NXT roster moving forward, and eventually on the main roster on Raw or SmackDown.
#3 Won the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic with Ricochet
The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic returned in 2019 and began on March 6th. Aleistair Black and Ricochet were pitted together to face the teams of Fabian Archer and Marcel Barthel, DIY, and The Forgotten Sons in the final of the tournament.
The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament winners are guaranteed a shot at the NXT Tag Team Championship. Black and Ricochet got their shot, but were defeated by the NXT Tag Team Champions, The War Raiders, at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn.
The tag team would continue to remain together during this period, before the WWE's Superstar Shake- took place a few months later.
#2 Main roster debut on Monday Night RAW before becoming Malakai Black
Towards the end of 2018, Triple H and the McMahons promised changes to Monday Night RAW. This included the start of a new wave of talent coming onto the main roster.
Aleister Black made his main roster debut the following year in February, defeating Elias. Black also continued to team up with Ricochet on RAW until the Superstar Shake-up.
Black then made his WrestleMania debut a few months, teaming with Ricochet against Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura, The Uso's, and The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro).
He officially became part of the SmackDown roster following the Superstar Shake-up and went on to defeat Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania 36.
Sadly, Aleister Black was released by WWE in June 2021, with the WWE citing budget cuts, even though they had plans for him moving forward.
#1 Winning the NXT Championship
By far, Aleister Black's biggest achievement in WWE was winning the NXT Championship.
Two years into his tenure, Black defeated Killian Dain to become No.1 Contender for the NXT Title. This time, Andrade was the NXT Champion, and had Zelina Vega by his side as his valet. The match took place at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans, on the weekend of WrestleMania, with Black coming up victorious.
The reign of the The Dutch Destroyer lasted a few months as he retained his championship against challengers such as Lars Sullivan before he dropped it to Tomasso Ciampa.
All in all, he can look back on his time in WWE with fondness, and look towards the future with AEW as Malakai Black. Who knows, maybe we'll see Malakai Black on WWE TV in years to come.
