Malakai Black, born Tom Büdgen on September 14, 1985, is a professional wrestler from the Netherlands, best known for his role as the leader of the House of Black faction in AEW. Prior to his AEW career, Black gained recognition in WWE under the name Aleister Black, where he competed from 2017 to 2021. Black’s career spans various wrestling promotions, including Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW), Progress Wrestling, and Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw), where he accumulated multiple titles, including the NXT Championship and the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic in 2019. His successful tenure in WWE and his standing as one of the top talents in AEW highlight his substantial impact on the wrestling world.
Malakai Black Net Worth
As of April 2024, Malakai Black has an estimated net worth of $2 million. His primary source of wealth is his career in professional wrestling, specifically his AEW contract. In AEW, Black earns an annual salary of $500,000, which includes his base pay, performance incentives, and additional rewards. This salary reflects Black’s value to AEW, considering his popularity and his role as a prominent figure in the promotion.
Malakai Black’s Endorsements and Collaborations
Beyond wrestling, Malakai Black has secured several lucrative endorsement deals. His most notable partnerships include those with AEW’s official merchandise shop, Hayabusa Fightwear, Jazwares, and other major wrestling brands. Black also collaborates with several independent designers, photographers, and digital media creators to promote his personal brand. These endorsement deals not only add to his income but also bolster his visibility outside of wrestling.
Additional Income Streams
In addition to his wrestling salary and endorsements, Black has diversified his income through business ventures. He co-owns The Dark Arts Gym with his wife, fellow WWE wrestler Zelina Vega. This training academy, located in Florida, provides Black with a steady stream of income. The gym is sponsored by Wrath Performance, and its business operations, alongside his personal brand and online activities, contribute significantly to his wealth. Furthermore, Black has a Linktree account, where he promotes various products, such as fight gear, supplements, and his personal merchandise, generating additional revenue.
Malakai Black’s Lifestyle
While details about Malakai Black’s real estate investments remain private, he resides in Florida, where he operates his training academy. The combination of his wrestling career, endorsement deals, and personal ventures have positioned him as a highly successful and financially secure individual in the wrestling world.
