10 Things You Need To Know About NXT's Aleister Black
Get ready, WWE: the former Tommy End is on his way.
Five months after reporting for duty at the WWE Performance Center, Aleister Black is finally on his way to NXT television. A vignette hyping the celebrated newcomer's imminent arrival aired on this Wednesday's NXT TV, and while there's no official word on when he'll debut, it has been suggested that Black will show-up either at or after TakeOver: Orlando on April 1st.
It has been a long time coming for Black, who has become one of Europe's most vaunted wrestlers since debuting at 17 years old. A feared striker with a legitimate combat sports background, Black christened himself Tommy End in 2002, and conquered the central European circuit soon after. Success eventually brought him to new stages all around the world, and by the time he caught WWE's attention last year, End had become one of indie wrestling's most in-demand performers.
Black's unique look will make him stand-out from day one, but there's more to this complex character than meets the eye. Few wrestlers can match Black's strong sense of individuality, and if his first vignette is anything to go by, it doesn't look like WWE are going to water Europe's most interesting wrestling down.
With the clock finally ticking on Aleister Black's NXT arrival, let's get to know Full Sail University's latest violent artist before he officially debuts...
10. Trained By Kassius Ohno
Kassius Ohno will challenge for Bobby Roode’s NXT Championship next Wednesday evening. It’s a quick push for a wrestler who only returned to WWE a few short months ago, but Ohno brings some serious wrestling pedigree to the table. Not only is he one of the most decorated independent wrestlers of all-time, but he’s also a skilled trainer with over 19 years of experience in the game, during which he’s had a hand in mentoring some of the indie scene’s biggest and best.
Ohno can count current 205 Live stars Lince Dorado and Drew Gulak among his students, and Aleister Black is also part of the group. Black met Ohno while travelling the European scene early in his career, and along with fellow WWE staff members Robbie Brookside and Nigel McGuinness, Black considers him a valued mentor.
The Ohno/Black relationship extends far beyond the training room too. Up until last year, the duo regularly teamed together as Heroes Never Die, making regularly appearances for independent companies like PWG and Evolve. They even fought in the semi-finals of last year’s PROGRESS Wrestling Super Strong Style 16 tournament, with Black scoring the victory over his teacher in one of the best British wrestling matches of 2016.