Aleister Black, formerly known as Tommy End on the independent circuit, made his debut at NXT Takeover: Orlando.
Black is known for his powerful kicks, and Muy Thai-inspired moves. Before moving to NXT in Orlando, Florida he was a kickboxing and martial arts trainer in the Netherlands.
He’s also covered in tattoos that make reference to his interest in the occult and the dark arts.
After weeks of vignettes promising a man dark and brooding, we got the entrance to match.
#NXTTakeOver: Orlando has officially faded to BLACK… @WWEAleister pic.twitter.com/3UKkeb1JVL
— WWE (@WWE) April 2, 2017
Twitter was in awe.
Screw everything else. Aleister Black's entrance wins tonight. #NXTTakeOverOrlando
— Dustin Waline (@dukealoops) April 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/spacegirlrobyn/status/848332138537783296
.@WWEAleister debuts! #NXTTakeOver #WWE2K17 pic.twitter.com/LeKu5a8qgC
— #WWE2K24 (@WWEgames) April 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/GIoriousOne/status/848332280372350978
Aleister Black With A Badass Entrance! #NXTTakeOver
— 𝕽𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖞 (@NXTFanNation) April 2, 2017
FADE TO BLACK#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/zuVARZOiQh
— Robbie (@kabukishirai) April 2, 2017
Aleister Black's entrance theme is frigging nicccceeee. Some kinda metal, One Winged Angel thing going on. #NXTTakeOverOrlando
— Sarah Anne Williams (@SarahAnneWillia) April 2, 2017
If Black is looking to start a cult ala Bray Wyatt, I think he has already made enough fans for it.
Many people also made reference to the Undertaker, obviously.
I hope Black will transcend these early comparisons and let his unique in-ring skills and gimmick speak for itself. He has the potential to be a big star.
What do you think? Was Aleister Black’s debut dark enough for you? Share your thoughts.