Malakai Black Reportedly Dealt With Significant Travel Issues Before PROGRESS Wrestling Title Win

As previously reported, former WWE and AEW star Malakai Black made his in-ring return at PROGRESS Wrestling's Odyssey Tour event over the weekend, where he defeated Cara Noir to win the PROGRESS World Title. After the match, Black spoke to the crowd in a promo, revealing that he dealt with significant travel issues getting to the event and spent $5,000 to book a new flight to make sure he got to the show. F4WOnline.com reports that Black's comments regarding his travel issues were legitimate and not a work. In speaking to PROGRESS management, the outlet notes that Black didn't inform anyone before his promo about his travel problems, wanting to deal with the situation himself to make sure he made it to his scheduled dates. It's also noted that Malakai Black took the financial hit himself regarding the flight issue, and he didn't put it on PROGRESS. Additionally, Black was informed about the passing of his friend, Andy Williams, aka The Butcher, only 45 minutes before he went out for his match. PROGRESS Wrestling management also informed F4WOnline that Black was 'a dream to work with,' noting his professionalism and the match quality he put together not long after such devastating news, calling it '****ing incredible.' As noted, Black also celebrated the victory with his wife, Xelina (aka Zelina Vega), after the match. She was also in action earlier in the night, beating Myla Grace. Black is slated to return to PROGRESS Wrestling later this month to defend his title at the When September Ends event on September 27. The event is being held at the Electric Ballroom in Camden, London.