Jim Ross believes Aleister Black still has plenty to offer professional wrestling, but has urged him to move on from the public discussion surrounding his WWE departure.

Speaking on Grilling JR, Ross addressed Black’s recent comments about promises he says WWE made before he returned to the company from AEW. While Ross questioned how Black has handled the situation publicly, he was full of praise for his ability inside the ring.

“He’ll always find work because he’s a hell of a hand. He’s got a unique look, and can have great matches with a variety of talents, as a babyface or a heel,” Ross said. “So I’m a big fan of his work. He won’t have a problem, in my opinion, finding more work.”

However, the veteran commentator believes Black would benefit from leaving the controversy behind him.

“He needs to get off the drama train, for sure,” Ross said. “I have no reason to think he’s not telling the truth, and this is how he perceives what his issues at WWE were, or what was promised. Did you get the promises in writing? Then I don’t mean s***.”

Drawing on his experience overseeing WWE talent relations, Ross said wrestlers should ensure any guarantees are included in their contracts.

“You can easily add a little addendum to a contract and say WWE hereby guarantees the following for said client, blah blah blah. Easy, and that way they got it on paper,” Ross said. “So then this issue would be a non-issue, because you got it on paper. It’s a whole different set of rules.”

For Ross, the concern is how a public dispute might influence a potential employer’s view of a wrestler.

“He needs to get away from all the drama, because nobody wants to hire somebody that they perceive might be a headache,” Ross said.

When asked whether Black’s character and presentation could succeed elsewhere, Ross gave a clear answer.

“It can work anywhere. It can work anywhere,” Ross said.

He also acknowledged that he could not explain the circumstances surrounding Black’s previous departure from AEW.

“I don’t know what his issue was in AEW. I’m not in that loop,” Ross said. “But he’s really a good talent.”

Black returned to WWE in April 2025 after spending four years in AEW as Malakai Black. During that run, he led the House of Black and won the AEW World Trios Championship alongside Brody King and Buddy Matthews.

His second WWE stint ended with his release on April 24, as part of the cuts following WrestleMania 42. His wife, Zelina Vega, was also among those released.

Black has since said the departure was more difficult to process than his first WWE release because of the discussions that persuaded him to return. He described the run as disappointing, while acknowledging the opportunities he received.

Eric Bischoff has also weighed in on 83 Weeks, saying Paul Heyman strongly supported Black during their time as WWE executive directors in 2019. Bischoff questioned Black’s account of broken promises and suggested he should take responsibility for his situation.