Tommy End’s next move remains unclear following his second departure from WWE, but Jim Ross has no doubt that the former Aleister Black possesses the ability to land on his feet elsewhere in professional wrestling.
Speaking on Grilling JR, Ross offered a strong assessment of End’s in-ring credentials, pointing to the qualities that have made him a notable name across major promotions. At the same time, the WWE Hall of Famer delivered a pointed piece of advice for the newly available talent: move forward rather than allow disappointment surrounding his recent run to define what comes next.
“He’ll find work because he’s a hell of a hand,” Ross said on Grilling JR. “He’s got a unique look, and can have great matches with a variety of talents, as a big face or a heel. So, I’m a big fan of his work. So, he won’t have a problem, in my opinion, finding more work... But he needs to get off the drama train, for sure.”
Ross’ comments arrive at a consequential point in End’s career. The performer left AEW in late January 2025 before returning to WWE in April 2025. That comeback ultimately lasted one year, with End released by the company again this past April following WrestleMania 42.
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That sequence has put End back on the free-agent market after a turbulent stretch in which major opportunities appeared to materialize, only to fall away. Still, Ross’ evaluation centered on the strengths End brings into any potential negotiation or new locker room: a presentation unlike many of his peers, the ability to work effectively against different opponents, and flexibility as either a villain or a fan favorite.
Ross Sees A Valuable, Adaptable Performer
End has long stood apart through an intense, darkly styled presentation and a wrestling approach built around striking, pacing, and atmosphere. His body of work has given him experience in prominent environments, including WWE and AEW, and Ross believes that background makes him a viable option for a promotion seeking an established performer.
The phrase “hell of a hand” is especially notable coming from Ross. In wrestling terminology, it is a direct endorsement of a performer’s dependability and overall ability. It suggests more than the capacity to produce a single memorable match; it speaks to being able to contribute with a broad range of opponents, roles, and program structures.
Ross specifically said End can have great matches with numerous types of talent. That versatility matters as End assesses the possibilities available to him. A wrestler who can credibly operate as a top-level antagonist, a sympathetic protagonist, or a dangerous special attraction can fit into many different creative plans. Ross also highlighted End’s “unique look,” another trait that can help a performer stand out in a crowded talent market.
There is no announcement at this time regarding where End will wrestle next. His status as a free agent has naturally opened discussion about which company could provide the best setting for a fresh start. The most important fact, however, is that End is once again free to explore options after the conclusion of his second WWE tenure.
A Second WWE Run Ended In Disappointment
End’s return to WWE in April 2025 created the opportunity for a reset after his AEW exit earlier that year. But last month, he discussed the outcome of that run candidly, saying he had received numerous assurances about the direction of his career that did not come to fruition.
He characterized the period from April 2025 through April 2026 as “a dud,” an assessment that underscored his frustration with how the second stint unfolded. End’s remarks did not erase the significance of being brought back into WWE, but they made clear that he did not feel the resulting year matched the expectations set for him.
It is within that context that Ross’ “drama train” comment carries weight. Ross was not questioning End’s talent. On the contrary, his remarks were overwhelmingly complimentary about End’s ability, range, and prospects. The caution was directed toward the broader challenge of handling a difficult professional chapter without becoming consumed by it.
For wrestlers leaving a major company, public discussion can quickly focus on what went wrong: unused plans, expectations that were not met, and the frustration of watching potential opportunities disappear. Ross’ message was that End’s future should be the priority. In Ross’ view, the performer is talented enough that the question is not whether work exists, but how he approaches the next phase of his career.
TNA Mentioned As One Possible Destination
During the conversation, Conrad Thompson raised TNA Wrestling as a potential landing spot for End. Ross did not offer a firm prediction, but he did not dismiss the possibility.
“Might be,” Ross said when TNA was mentioned. “This is going to sound real negative, but I don’t watch TNA. Not for any reason that I want to share. There’s no reason... I don’t know when that show airs.”
Ross’ response was not a detailed evaluation of TNA’s roster or creative direction. Instead, it reflected that he was not familiar enough with the promotion’s current programming to offer an informed forecast about how End might be used there.
Even so, TNA is among the promotions being discussed simply because End is available and carries name recognition from his time on major platforms. Whether that discussion turns into a deal remains unknown. No agreement, debut, or formal negotiations were disclosed during the exchange.
For End, a decision about his destination would likely involve more than choosing the next company to offer a match or a contract. His recent experience makes creative clarity an understandable consideration. After describing his second WWE run as a disappointment despite earlier promises, the appeal of a setting that offers a defined role and consistent direction could be substantial.
The Focus Shifts To What Comes Next
End now enters another pivotal period with a résumé that includes high-profile stops and a reputation for a distinctive in-ring identity. The end of his WWE return may have been frustrating, but it also gives him the chance to determine how the next chapter is presented.
Ross’ perspective provides a concise snapshot of the situation. He sees a wrestler with enough ability to work virtually anywhere, whether in a featured singles role or against a wide variety of opponents. He also sees a performer who needs to resist letting past grievances become the central story of his career.
That is a difficult balance for any wrestler who feels plans did not deliver on what was discussed. End has been open about his dissatisfaction with the second WWE run, and the circumstances surrounding that tenure will inevitably be part of the conversation around his free agency. But Ross’ advice is rooted in the belief that End’s value is greater than the disappointment of the past year.
There are still unanswered questions. End has not publicly confirmed his next promotion. TNA has been floated as one possibility, while Ross did not identify a preferred destination or suggest that any deal was imminent. What is known is that End is back on the market with meaningful experience, a recognizable persona, and supporters such as Ross who believe his skill set will keep him in demand.
For now, the attention is on whether End can turn another uncertain transition into a lasting opportunity. Ross believes he can. The challenge, as Ross framed it, will be pairing that considerable talent with a forward-looking approach and leaving the frustrations of the latest WWE exit in the rearview mirror.
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Darryl Polo
Darryl Polo is a passionate wrestling fan covering WWE, AEW, TNA and beyond. He loves great rivalries, breakout stars and the moments that keep fans talking long after the bell. How we work.