Below are a couple of top AEW & WWE news stories of the day.
• Malakai Black (fka Aleister Black in WWE) has been removed from AEW’s roster page, signaling that he is no longer part of the company. This development was largely anticipated.
Previous reports suggested that Black was set to become a free agent in March, if not sooner, and signs now point to him heading to WWE.
According to PWTorch, several key figures in WWE are strong supporters of Black and view him as a potential top singles star. Sources close to Black have indicated that he felt more comfortable working under Triple H’s creative direction rather than Vince McMahon’s and that he never formed a strong connection with Tony Khan.
The Wrestling Observer noted that WWE has already explored creative plans for Black, though the exact timeline for his return remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, PWInsider reports that Black’s All Elite Wrestling contract officially ended on Sunday, making him a free agent.
• After John Cena’s latest loss in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match, WWE has ranked the 16-time World Champion’s 10 most heartbreaking losses ever. Below is the list:
10. Lost to CM Punk in an Undisputed WWE Championship match at SummerSlam 2011
9. Eliminated from the 2011 Royal Rumble by The Miz
8. Lost to Batista at SummerSlam 2008
7. Lost to Bray Wyatt in a Steel Cage Match at Extreme Rules 2014
6. Lost to Triple H on the October 19, 2009 episode of RAW
5. Lost to Solo Sikoa at Crown Jewel 2023
4. Eliminated from the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble in the end by Jey Uso
3. Lost to Roman Reigns in a WWE Universal Championship match at SummerSlam 2021
2. Lost to Wade Barrett at Hell in a Cell 2010, thus forced to join The Nexus
1. Lost to The Rock in their “Once In A Lifetime” match at WrestleMania 28
