The former Aleister Black returns to PROGRESS Wrestling in September
Summary
– Malakai Black will wrestle his first matches since leaving WWE on the PROGRESS Odyssey Tour
– Black is scheduled to compete in Edinburgh, Leeds, and Manchester in September
– He has returned to the Malakai Black name after performing as Aleister Black in WWE
Malakai Black’s first matches since leaving WWE have officially been announced. PROGRESS Wrestling revealed that the former Aleister Black will compete during its Odyssey Tour in September.
PROGRESS confirmed the news on August 12, announcing that Black will appear at three stops on the upcoming tour. He is currently scheduled to wrestle in Edinburgh, Leeds, and Manchester.
“One of the biggest names in professional wrestling is coming to Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester for his first matches back on the independent wrestling scene,” PROGRESS announced.
These appearances will mark Black’s first matches since WWE released him in April. They will also represent his return to the independent wrestling scene following his latest run with the company.
PROGRESS teased that Black is returning with one major goal in mind, but did not reveal exactly what he plans to pursue. The promotion noted that he has won championships at every major company he has competed in.
The announcement also confirms that Black has returned to the Malakai Black name. He previously used that identity during his AEW career, but performed as Aleister Black after returning to WWE.
Shortly after his WWE departure, Black resurfaced in a cinematic video featuring the statement, “I am the death of me.” The footage showed him examining gear from his WWE and AEW careers before he revealed a shaved head and began MMA-style training.
Black did not announce his next wrestling destination in the video, but his immediate future is now clear. He will return to the ring with PROGRESS Wrestling when the Odyssey Tour begins in September.
⛵ THE ODYSSEY TOUR – MALAKAI BLACK WILL BE COMPETING ⛵
One of the biggest names in professional wrestling is coming to Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester for his first matches back on the independent wrestling scene!
He's held gold in every major company he's set foot in and… pic.twitter.com/fZlb9YTuL6
— PROGRESS Wrestling (@ThisIs_Progress) August 12, 2026
