Jim Ross believes Aleister Black still has a future in wrestling but says his window of opportunity is narrowing due to issues that have nothing to do with his in-ring ability.
Speaking on Grilling JR, Ross was asked about Black following his WWE release and whether he had burned his bridge in AEW, where he previously spent time from 2021 to 2025.
“No, I do not (burned a bridge in AEW), but I think that his chances are running out. His trust is a big thing, man, you know, I always said this many times, you and I laugh about it sometimes. Reliability. Are you reliable? And there is a you. I’m sure a small faction of some in the wrestling business that believe he’s got he’s missing something. And I say that I don’t disagree with that he’s not missing his attire, his look, his work ethic. So whatever his downfalls are, they seem to be stimulated from things outside bell to bell. But I like the guy. I’d hire him in a heartbeat.”
“If I were in his position, or if I was counseling him, I’d say, take some time off, step away for a few months. I would encourage my wife to get back in the ring. And, you know, should be a good hire for AEW. Aleister Black is one of my favorite competitors. He’s compelling. Maybe it’s his look or the fact that he uses the kicks a lot, and he’s very proficient at it. But I like Aleister black, but I think he could do himself a favor by simply stepping away for a while. He’s got a 90-day no compete anyway. How can you improve in 90 days? Aleister, that’s my question to you. Or what can you do to make your game better? Because I think the guy’s got a good upside. He’s a main event level talent, got a good gimmick, and so, you know, that’s what I’d do if I were him, but he’s a keeper. There’s no doubt about that. He seems to run afoul of the establishment from time to time. I don’t know why that is. I’m not working with him in that regard. So I don’t know why that is, but whatever it is, my advice to him would be to get over it, don’t be so critical of things. Just be critical of your own work and making it better.”
On why Black’s AEW run did not produce the results many expected, Ross offered a candid assessment.
“I don’t think he wanted to be (there), Conrad. I don’t think he was happy there. I think he looked at it as a step down. He’s in the minor leagues or some shit. But that’s that WWE mentality rubbing off on you. That’ll happen and it’s unstoppable. That’s kind of how I looked at his situation. I like his game a lot, and his wife is a hell of a hand. You got two of them. You got two keepers, and those two people.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit Grilling JR with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
