JBL has warned Aleister Black against burning bridges in professional wrestling after criticism of his latest WWE run.
Aleister Black spoke out approximately five months after his WWE release, describing his most recent stint with the company as a “dud of a year.”
While JBL understands why the former WWE star may be frustrated with how things played out, the Hall of Famer believes publicly criticising the company could damage his chances of returning in the future. Speaking on Something to Wrestle, JBL questioned whether Black was risking his relationship with WWE by discussing his frustrations after leaving.
“I don’t know if Aleister is burning this bridge or not, but it certainly is not a way to keep an amicable relationship with guys,” JBL said. “You know, when you’re throwing them under the bus when you’re leaving.”
JBL then recalled advice his father gave him about how to handle leaving a job.
“It’s the kind of thing…my father used to always tell me ‘When it’s time to leave, grab your hat, shake their hand, and just walk out.’ That’s all you need to do. And that’s the advice I would give these guys. Shake their hand, walk out. Cause there aren’t that many bridges to cross.”
JBL Warns Aleister Black About Burning Bridges
JBL pointed to the limited number of major wrestling promotions as a reason for performers to avoid damaging relationships with influential figures in the industry.
“You think about what there is out there, there’s not that many places to make it in sports entertainment. And if you’ve alienated Tony Khan, I don’t know if he has or not, or if you alienate Triple H or Nick Khan, that’s WWE. I don’t know why you would want to do that.”
The former WWE Champion added that wrestlers should avoid giving interviews while they are still angry about leaving a promotion.
“Just leave. I get you’re mad; don’t do interviews when you’re mad. Nothing good ever comes of it. All that comes across is that you’re bitter, you know?”
Black also had a polarising departure from AEW before returning to WWE, with some within the promotion subsequently suggesting that a future return would not be welcomed. Since his latest WWE departure, Black has returned to the independent wrestling scene and reverted to his previous ring name, Tommy End.
