Aleister Black, whose real name is Tom Büdgen, left his hometown in Amsterdam to chase his passion for professional wrestling, yet he has consistently infused his European roots into every wrestling ring he has ever stepped into. Combined with his extensive martial arts background, Black’s performances in WWE deliver a thrilling combination of striking techniques and chain wrestling—a skill set that is increasingly rare in today’s landscape of sports entertainment.
Muscle & Fitness had the opportunity to speak with this meticulous Dutch athlete about how his training regimen has developed throughout his career and the ways he is imparting his knowledge to the upcoming generation of wrestling talents.
Fans of WWE were stunned when Aleister Black suffered a dramatic plunge from the top of an ambulance, crashing through a table during the January 2, 2026, episode of SmackDown. However, speculations of a career-ending injury turned out to be overstated. The wrestler confirms there was only a minor hairline fracture in his tailbone, which he didn’t even notice until a routine physical therapy appointment revealed some swelling in his lower back. He shares with Muscle & Fitness that he was completely unaware of it, serving as a stark reminder that professional wrestling is far from scripted or risk-free. Thankfully, Black remains far from defeated and continues to thrive.
The Martial Arts Foundation Underpinning Black’s Physical Conditioning
Naturally, this 6-foot tall powerhouse’s passion for major league wrestling originated from the modest independent shows and minimal earnings he endured early in his journey. As a young fan, Black admired not only WWE but also Japan’s strong-style wrestling, which inspired him to begin training in martial arts such as pencak silat starting at just 9 years old. He further honed his skills in Muay Thai under the guidance of former world champions Liam Harrison and Andy Howson.
Black initiated his professional wrestling training at the age of 15, first journeying to The Hague, and then venturing abroad to England and Germany during his mid-teens. It was there that he mastered chain wrestling—a technical style emphasizing limb locks, submission maneuvers, frequent reversals, and minimal interruptions. He recalls it as an intense and demanding period, highlighting how the personal and financial hardships he faced deepened his gratitude for his current achievements. Now a key figure in WWE’s powerhouse roster, Black headlines major events like SmackDown in sold-out arenas, yet this top-tier performer insists his training approach is always advancing and adapting.
How Incorporating Powerlifting and Dietary Adjustments Transformed Aleister Black’s Physique Around Age 37
Throughout his career, Black has skillfully merged elements of martial arts into his professional wrestling persona, creating his distinctive and dynamic in-ring style. He describes this integration as a continuous evolution. Similarly, his fitness routine has undergone significant changes over time. Black candidly admits he is not naturally suited for bodybuilding but maintains a strong affinity for weight training nonetheless.
In his conversation with Muscle & Fitness, Black reveals that embracing powerlifting marked a pivotal shift, providing him with clear, measurable objectives in the gym rather than fixating solely on aesthetic gains like larger biceps. He enthuses about targeting specific milestones with exercises such as deadlifts, squats, overhead presses, and bench presses, which fuel his drive to push boundaries in the weight room.
When Black joined WWE about ten years ago at age 30, he was already in excellent condition. However, the relentless travel schedule and intense public scrutiny started negatively impacting his well-being. At that time, his diet consisted mainly of rice and chicken, paired with unstructured weightlifting sessions, oblivious to the subtleties that could optimize his progress. Eventually, he teamed up with nutrition expert Austin J. Sims, who tailored a plan recognizing Black as a combat athlete rather than a bodybuilder. Remarkably, Black achieved his peak physical form between ages 37 and 38.
High-Rep Workouts for Building Strength and Cardiovascular Stamina
At 40 years old, Black stresses that achieving fitness success hinges on maintaining balance and unwavering consistency. He meticulously monitors his calorie intake and macronutrients, enabling smart adjustments even while traveling for WWE commitments to stay on track. Black emphasizes cultivating a positive relationship with nutrition—one that prioritizes functional foods without sacrificing flavor. He points out that healthy eating doesn’t equate to monotonous or tasteless meals.
As a wrestler constantly on the move, Black has refined his repetition strategies. Although he occasionally indulges in powerlifting workouts, his primary emphasis now lies on functional training that promotes longevity in the ring. Given that he already lifts opponents during matches, his gym sessions involve moderate weights with high volume—frequently reaching 100 repetitions per set—to simultaneously enhance strength and endurance.
Aleister Black’s Commitment to Reviving Chain Wrestling and Prioritizing Mental Wellness for Future Pro Wrestlers
Drawing from his extensive training experiences in England years ago, Black continues to weave those traditional techniques into his performances in 2026. He actively incorporates them into every bout, whether through swift hooks, wrist locks, top wrist locks, or any maneuver that embodies true wrestling essence. Black passionately reminds us that despite his reputation as a striker, the core of the sport is professional wrestling. He laments how, too often, the focus shifts to striking immediately after the bell, overshadowing the foundational wrestling skills.
Preserving the heritage of professional wrestling is central to the operations at Black’s wrestling academy in Florida, which he co-manages with his wife and fellow WWE star, Zelina Vega. His students undergo rigorous training under his exacting standards. Having navigated hazardous conditions in his early career, Black fosters a supportive atmosphere for his trainees to develop safely. He places significant importance on mental health discussions, acknowledging its profound challenges within the wrestling world. As he puts it, this profession is far from straightforward.
Leveraging insights from his accomplished career, including his NXT world championship reign, Black is preparing for his next big comeback. Audiences can anticipate seeing him pursue WWE championship opportunities soon. He confidently assures Muscle & Fitness that he feels stronger than ever.
