Malakai Black, born Tom Büdgen, is a professional wrestler from the Netherlands, widely known for his time in AEW and WWE. In AEW, he leads the faction House of Black and was previously the AEW World Trios Champion. Prior to his AEW success, Black performed in WWE under the name Aleister Black from 2017 to 2021, where he gained recognition for his impressive in-ring ability and dark, mysterious character. Before WWE, Black wrestled internationally, competing in promotions across the USA, Japan, and Europe under the ring name Tommy End. His wrestling resume includes notable championships in various organizations like Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW), Progress Wrestling, and Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw). These accolades include multiple tag team titles and individual titles such as the NXT Championship and the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic in 2019.
As of April 2024, Malakai Black’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million. The majority of this wealth comes from his professional wrestling career, including a substantial salary from AEW, where he earns $500,000 per year. This salary is made up of a combination of base pay, performance bonuses, and other incentives that reflect his market value and the role he plays in AEW. In addition to his wrestling earnings, Malakai Black also generates significant income from various endorsement deals with brands like AEW Shop, Hayabusa Fightwear, Jazwares, and others. These endorsements contribute to his wealth and help raise his profile beyond the wrestling ring.
Black has also diversified his income by investing in his own wrestling training academy, The Dark Arts Gym, which he co-owns with his wife, Zelina Vega. The gym, based in Florida, is a significant source of additional income, alongside his business ventures, collaborations, and social media activities. Through his professional Linktree account, Black promotes various products, including Hayabusa fight gear, supplements, nutrition products, and his personal merchandise, which further bolsters his income. Though details about other investments like real estate remain private, his entrepreneurial activities have played a key role in supplementing his wrestling career earnings.
