Jim Ross on Current Relationship Between Aleister Black & AEW Following WWE Release and Reasons Why Black’s Run in AEW Didn’t Work Out For Him

As noted before, Aleister Black was released from WWE this past Friday as part of a larger batch of talent releases and departures. Prior to his return to WWE, Black had worked in AEW from July of 2021 to February of 2025 under the ring name of Malakai Black.

A recent episode of the Grilling JR podcast featured co-host and AEW commentator Jim Ross giving his thoughts about Black’s recent release from WWE and his advice for Black’s career future.

“I like Aleister Black. 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 much can you improve in 90 days, Aleister? That’s my question to you.”

Ross also gave his thoughts about Black having backstage issues with management from time to time in wrestling.

“He seems to run afoul of the establishment from time to time and I don’t know why that is. I’m not there to work 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.”

In response to a question from co-host Conrad Thompson about why Black’s run in AEW wasn’t more successful, Ross responded stating that he believes looked at his time in the company as a “step down” for his wrestling career at the time,

“I don’t think he wanted to, 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 s–t. But that’s that WWE mentality rubbing off on you, and that’ll happen. It’s unstoppable and it can’t be helped. 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’ve got two keepers in those two people.”

Ross also gave his thoughts about if Black has “burned his bridge” with AEW and the likelihood of Black potentially returning to the company following his recent release from WWE.

“No, I do not. But I think that his chances are running out. Trust is a big thing. Reliability. Are you reliable? There is I’m sure a small faction of some in the wrestling business that believe he’s missing something. I don’t disagree with that. But he’s not missing his attire, his look, his work ethic. So whatever his downfalls are, they seem to be stimulated from things outside the bell-to-bell. But I like the guy. I’d hire him in a heartbeat.”

Transcript h/t: F4WOnline.com