WWE’s Aleister Black Addresses Competing In MMA Rumors

WWE

WWE star Aleister Black has addressed previous rumors about him potentially competing for UFC, Glory or another MMA company.

Black made his WWE return on the April 25 SmackDown episode, where he was described as a dangerous striker moments before dropping The Miz with his Black Mass kick.

With Black often sharing videos of his kickboxing training, there was previously some speculation about the former NXT Champion pursuing a competitive combat sports career.

Speaking on the Wrestling the Rap Game Podcast, Black recalled talk of him fighting for an MMA or kickboxing promotion.

Noting that he didn’t want to take the spot of someone who dedicated their life to being a fighter, Black said:

“No, God no. There was talk, back in the day, I have to be completely honest that I don’t know if it was during or right before I went to WWE. It was Glory and I think, at some point, the conversation turned to Bellator. I was like, ‘Guys, I am not a trained MMA guy.

“I do kickboxing and muay-thai,’ back then it was kickboxing, I transitioned to muay-thai later. I don’t know how to grapple. I know some shoot holds and some wrestling because of what I do in the ring, I know some holds, but if you put me with anyone with the slightest capability of grappling, I’d be done. Put up a good fight, though.

“That was a little bit of a rumbling, I just didn’t want to do it. In the event that I would have picked Glory, I feel I would have been disrespecting the sport. I would take up a spot of someone who has dedicated their entire life to being (a fighter). Glory is a massive stage.

“I would take a spot and I would feel so bad and I wouldn’t want to disrespect my coaches and trainers. I will always train martial arts, but competing is something I let the pros do.”

Black is now officially listed on the SmackDown roster, ahead of his return match against The Miz on the May 2 episode.

His wife and new WWE Women’s US Champion Zelina Vega has commented on Aleister Black’s return to the company, which you can read more about right here.

Transcription via Fightful.

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• Aleister Black
• MMA
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