Malakai Black Reveals Speaking To William Regal On Day Of His WWE Release
AEW star Malakai Black has opened up about the conversation he had with William Regal on the day that the NXT veteran was let go from his WWE contract.
Malakai Black competed in WWE as Aleister Black for five years before being released by the company in June 2021. Following his departure, the Dutchman joined to AEW, initially targetting Cody Rhodes.
The series of cuts seen in WWE throughout 2021 continued into 2022, with NXT seeing a string of backstage releases on January 5th. Among the bigger names to be let go was William Regal who was a beloved member of the black and gold brand behind the scenes. Former NXT Champion Samoa Joe was also released, as well as WWE Hall of Famer Road Dogg.
In a new interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, Malakai Black discussed the possibility of Joe or Regal joining AEW, and explained how William Regal was instrumental in bringing him to WWE and credits the Englishman for his mainstream success.
“In terms of Joe, whether that would be an in an active and competitive part or just someone who helps produce, I would welcome it. I actually spoke to Mr. Regal the day of [his release] and expressed my gratitude to him because there are a few people that I always went to, to filter my ideas and filter my process.”
“Him and Terry Taylor are the two that always popped into my head whenever I tried to plan stuff, produce stuff, or think about stuff. He was a big part of that. He was the one that originally saw me back in the UK in PROGRESS and he made it all happen. I owe a lot, if not almost anything, in terms of my mainstream success to William Regal.”
“He is a credit to the business in any shape or way. Whatever he decides to do, I hope he realizes he’s very respected, very loved, and that if he were to make that decision, if that were the direction, the business would be better for it. There are none more equipped to learn from than William Regal.”
William Regal recently spoke for the first time following his release, staying that he wouldn’t have a bad word said about WWE.
H/T to Fightful for the above transcription.