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Aleister Black was recently called up to the main roster where he has already made quite the impression by defeating both Elias and Andrade in the same week. Black was plying his craft on NXT up until recently where he is a former NXT Champion, but The Dutch Destroyer recently said farewell to the developmental brand and now looks set to become a huge hit on the main roster heading into WrestleMania.
Black has managed to skate under the radar throughout his time in NXT with him keeping his personal life as private as possible and rarely sharing information about his life with the WWE Universe. Now that Black is on the main roster, the spotlight has become somewhat brighter and many fans may be questioning who the latest addition to the roster is, but here are five facts that every Aleister Black fan needs to know.
#5. He's 33-years-old
Whilst WWE's developmental territory has allowed a number of fresh faces to make their way into the company over the years, Black isn't one of the young faces that joined the Performance Center without any background in the sport.
The former NXT Champion made his debut when he was just 17 years old and has been working his way through the ranks in the years that have followed. Of course, Black isn't going to become the "Youngest World Champion" any time soon, but he does bring an air of experience to his role and proves that NXT is a place where even the most well-versed athletes can find a home.
Black is also a star that enjoys the luxury of looking much younger than he actually is, but since he already has almost two decades of experience in the wrestling business behind him, it's probably best not to treat him like a rookie.
#4. Aleister's extensive tattoo collection
There are a number of WWE superstars who are heavily tattooed at the moment, but Aleister Black's tattoos are something that stands out the minute he steps through the curtain. Black had his first tattoo when he was just 20 years old which was a Japanese half-sleeve on his right arm and he has since expanded his collection over the years.
The former NXT World Champion has meanings behind all of his tattoos, which incredibly includes the crescent moon under his left eye which is reportedly a reminder that he was once a child who was scared of the dark and The Crescent Moon Stomp which is reportedly one of his favourite wrestling techniques.
Black would definitely be an interesting guest on Superstar Ink with Corey Graves in the future.
#3. He was trained by Kassius Ohno
Aleister Black had quite the career before he made it to WWE, which includes him working the European and American Independent circuit under the ring name Tommy End. Whilst Black was touring the European scene he met Kassius Ohno and trained alongside him early in his career.
Black has stated that he sees Ohno as a valued mentor and the duo have been able to work together numerous times over the years as recently as 2016 when they were teamed together as "Heroes Never Die" and wrestled for a number of promotions both together and against each other including PWG, Progress and Evolve.
One of the best matches that the duo had against each other came in the semi-finals of PROGRESS Wrestling Super Strong Style 16 back in 2016 where Black came out on top over his mentor in what is considered to be one of the best wrestling matches of that year.
#2. He has an extended background in martial arts
Aleister Black rose to fame on NXT when he showcased his incredible Black Mass kick that won him the NXT Championship a few months later. Black's kicks have always been his main form of offense in the ring and this is seemingly because he has a background in martial arts.
Black competed in various martial arts such as kickboxing and Pencak Silat from the age of 9 to 15 and still continues to train in kickboxing alongside his current in-ring training. Black has used the skills he has acquired from years of martial arts training and become a lethal striker in the ring with kickboxing being one of the biggest influences on his in-ring style.
It will be interesting to see if WWE allows him to unveil more of his impressive move-set on the main roster in the coming months.
#1. Married to Zelina Vega
Aleister Black is a very private person but it was reported last year that he and fellow WWE superstar Zelina Vega had decided to tie the knot after months of dating. The two stars then confirmed this when they posted a cute update on Instagram, which is the only confirmation that the WWE Universe has received since the two stars exchanged vows.
Interestingly, Vega was at ringside for Black's first match on SmackDown Live this past week, since Black took on Andrade in a winning effort. Vega was then forced to cheer on the opposition despite obviously looking over at her husband throughout the match.
It is unclear if WWE will allow the two stars to work together on TV in the near future, but right now it seems that both stars are fitting in well with their existing roles.
