Malik Blade Hopes To Wrestle In Japan, Believes His Style Will Be More Appreciated There

On April 24, Malik Blade was part of the reported WWE departures.

He last wrestled at the February 21 WWE NXT live event, teaming with Romeo Moreno against Dorian Van Dux & Harlem Lewis. He was best known for his team with Edris Enofe.

Speaking to Justin on Casual Conversations, Malik discussed his WWE release and future in wrestling.

“It’s a bit weird. It’s just a phone call from a person that I’ve never met. They just simply say, ‘Business decision. We’re moving on.’ That was really it. It was a few second phone call. The first season, I was kind of upset, but a few hours later, I got excited about the fact that I could go anywhere. I have a big goal of wrestling in Japan. Now, I’m free to do that. I have no reason to stay in the States, and I’m able to expand my wings in wrestling. WWE is amazing, but it’s a bubble. Now, I can go anywhere and do anything. As much as it was scary, it’s also very exciting.

“I do believe that in Japan, my style is more high-flying and athletic. I do believe it’ll be more appreciated over there. I would love to explore that, whether it’s NOAH, All Japan, New Japan, I would love to take that up.”

He was signed by WWE in October 2021 and wrestled on NXT, NXT Level Up, and WWE Main Event. He suffered a torn ACL in October 2024, which sidelined him for a year. The injury occurred in his last televised match on NXT Level Up against Tavion Heights.

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