10 Things You Need To Know About NXT's Aleister Black

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.