The Career-Saving Match
Cezar Bononi, once a promising NXT talent, credits a pivotal match with Malakai Black for saving his WWE career back in 2017. This bout not only showcased his potential but also delayed his release from the company.
A Look Back at Bononi’s NXT Journey
Cezar Bononi was praised as a rising star in NXT in 2018, earning the “Future NXT Star” award in the NXT Year-End Awards for 2017. He beat out upcoming main roster stars such as Bianca Belair, Otis, and The Street Profits.
Despite this accolade, Bononi’s career in NXT did not unfold as expected.
The Match That Made a Difference
During the May 10, 2017 episode of WWE NXT, Bononi competed against Aleister Black, who is now known as Malakai Black in AEW. Black won the match in less than two minutes.Despite the quick defeat, Bononi believes this match was crucial in extending his WWE tenure. Speaking on the Developmentally Speaking podcast, he revealed that he was slated to be released the day after the match was taped.
“Yeah, the first match that I had on TV, for sure, with Aleister Black, Malakai. There were so many people saying to me that was not going to make it to TV ever then I had that opportunity. It was a really good opportunity. To be honest, I was going to be fired the next day but I did such a good job in that match that saved my job.”
Understanding the Business Side
When asked if he knew why he was going to be released, Bononi attributed it to routine roster cuts rather than personal reasons. He acknowledged the nature of the business, understanding that performance and results are critical factors in employment decisions.
Cezar Bononi Says Match With Malakai Black On NXT TV Saved Him From Being Cut By WWE In 2017 https://t.co/5NvTbjbt7s
— Robert DeFelice (@dudefelice) May 27, 2024
“Cuts. Just cuts. They had to cut and I understand the business, it’s all good. They just had to cut to get new people and whoever is not getting good results, they cut. That’s how business works. I never thought there was something personal or whatever. Actually, I was not delivering whatever was necessary as well. I totally understand on the business side of that. The good thing is that I got at least one chance to do something, and I did it good.”
Post-WWE Career
Following his departure from WWE in 2020, Bononi briefly joined AEW. He has now moved on to become a personal trainer, using the same discipline and skills he developed in wrestling to assist others in reaching their fitness objectives.
Bononi’s Reflections and Future Aspirations
Bononi’s journey serves as a testament to seizing opportunities and understanding the business realities of professional wrestling.Although his WWE career did not meet expectations, his bout against Malakai Black is remembered as a pivotal moment that enabled him to persist in following his passion.
His narrative serves as a prompt to remember the significance of determination and flexibility in a profession characterized by ongoing shifts and unpredictability. As Bononi moves forward in his career after wrestling, his skills and ability to bounce back will definitely be an asset in whatever he pursues next.
