Malakai Black Biography: Before joining WWE, Tom Büdgen was widely recognized on the independent wrestling scene under the ring name Tommy End. He competed internationally across Europe, the United States, and Japan, making notable appearances in promotions such as Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW), Progress Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), and Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw).
Malakai Black Biography
Malakai Black, born Tom Büdgen, is a Dutch professional wrestler best known for his dynamic presence in both AEW and WWE. As the leader of the House of Black in All Elite Wrestling, he previously held the AEW World Trios Championship. Before rising to prominence in AEW, he made a strong impact during his four-year stint with WWE (2017–2021) under the ring name Aleister Black. Prior to his WWE tenure, Büdgen wrestled extensively on the independent circuit as Tommy End, competing across the United States, Japan, and Europe. He became a standout figure in promotions such as Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW), Progress Wrestling, and Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw).
Malakai Black Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name |
Tom Büdgen |
| Born |
19 May 1985 (age 39)
Alkmaar, Netherlands |
| Spouse |
Zelina Vega
(m. 2018) |
| Ring name(s) |
Aleister Black
Malakai Black
Tommy End |
| Billed height |
6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Billed weight |
215 lb (98 kg) |
| Billed from |
“The Lodge in Amsterdam”
Amsterdam, Holland
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Trained by |
Bob Schrijber
Chris Hero
Johnny Kidd
Mike Quackenbush
Nigel McGuinness |
| Debut |
18 June 2002 |
| Category |
WWE News |
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About Malakai Black
Tom Büdgen is a Dutch professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand under the ring name Aleister Black.
Malakai Black Achievements
During this time, he captured several titles, including the wXw Unified World Heavyweight Championship, wXw World Lightweight Championship, wXw World Tag Team Championship, ICW Tag Team Championship, and the Progress Tag Team Championship. Büdgen signed with WWE’s NXT brand in April 2017, making his in-ring debut at NXT TakeOver: Orlando. During his time in NXT, he won the NXT Championship and, alongside Ricochet, claimed victory in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Malakai Black Wiki
- Born: 19 May 1985 (age 39 years), Alkmaar, Netherlands
- Spouse: Zelina Vega (m. 2018)
- Weight: 98 kg
- Full name: Tom Budgen
- Height: 8 m
- Debut: 18 June 2002
- Billed from: “The Lodge in Amsterdam”; Amsterdam, Holland; Amsterdam, Netherlands
Early Life
Tom Büdgen was born on May 19, 1985, in Alkmaar, Netherlands. He has a rich background in martial arts, having trained in kickboxing, pencak silat, and muay thai—all of which influenced his unique in-ring style.
Malakai Black’s Endorsements
As a prominent AEW performer, Malakai Black is endorsed by the promotion and its official merchandise store. Beyond AEW, he has secured endorsements from several well-known brands, including Hayabusa Fightwear, BLXCKMASS CLOTHING, Jazwares, Major Wrestling Figure Podcast, Mortis Ores, Ringside Collectibles, Inc., and Global Wrestle Wear. He also collaborates with independent designers, makeup artists, photographers, and digital media creators to help promote their work and associated brands.
Malakai Black’s Investments
Malakai Black has invested a significant portion of his income into building a wrestling training academy and gym. He co-owns The Dark Arts Gym in Florida, USA, with his wife and fellow wrestler, Zelina Vega. In addition, he maintains a professional online presence through a business email and a Linktree account that centralizes his services and merchandise. However, there is currently no public information regarding other investments such as real estate or stock holdings.
Other Sources of Income
Aside from wrestling, Malakai Black earns additional revenue through The Dark Arts Gym, personal business ventures, and his Linktree platform. The gym is sponsored by Wrath Performance and features a dedicated YouTube channel showcasing training content. His Linktree also includes promotions for Hayabusa fight gear, nutritional supplements, and exclusive merchandise, providing multiple streams of supplementary income.
Malakai Black’s House
Malakai Black resides in Florida, United States. While specific details about the location and value of his home have not been disclosed publicly, it is known that he is based there for both personal and professional reasons. Originally, he was billed from Amsterdam, Holland, and was born in Alkmaar, Netherlands.
What is Malakai Black’s Net Worth 2025
Malakai Black’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. His primary income comes from his professional wrestling career. In addition to his wrestling salary, he earns through personal business ventures, brand endorsements, sponsorships, social media engagements, collaborations, and operating a wrestling training academy.
Malakai Black’s Salary
Under his AEW contract, Malakai Black reportedly earns an annual salary of $500,000. This figure typically includes a base salary, performance bonuses, and various incentives—reflecting his market value and contributions to the promotion.
FAQs
Where does Malakai Black live now?
Malakai Black currently resides in Florida, USA, although details about the exact location and cost of his home are not publicly available.
What brands sponsor Malakai Black?
Malakai Black is endorsed by several brands including Hayabusa Fightwear, BLXCKMASS CLOTHING, Jazwares, Ringside Collectibles, and more, along with AEW and its official merchandise store.
Does Malakai Black own a wrestling academy?
Yes, Malakai Black co-owns The Dark Arts Gym, a wrestling training academy and gym based in Florida, which he runs with his wife, Zelina Vega.
What is The Dark Arts Gym?
The Dark Arts Gym is Malakai Black’s wrestling academy in Florida, offering professional training and fitness programs. It is also sponsored by Wrath Performance.
Does Malakai Black have a YouTube channel?
Yes, Malakai Black has a YouTube channel dedicated to his training academy, where he shares fitness and wrestling-related content.
What other businesses is Malakai Black involved in?
In addition to wrestling, Malakai Black earns from personal business ventures, collaborations, merchandise sales, and his Linktree, which features products like fight gear and supplements.
