Mustafa Ali requests WWE release
Mustafa Ali has requested his WWE release.
In a social media post, Ali stated:
I have a message that is much bigger than my dreams in pro wrestling. Despite my best efforts, I will not be able to deliver this message while working with WWE.
Therefore, I am requesting my release from WWE.
i am requesting my release from wwe pic.twitter.com/Q1QP8SA5zV
— Mustafa Ali (@MustafaAli_X) January 16, 2022
Ali was last seen on WWE programming in November. WWE has yet to comment on the request.
A Fightful report indicates that an argument with Vince McMahon regarding a pitch McMahon made to Ali regarding a direction for his character could have been the catalyst for Ali not being used. Ali shared a vignette on his Twitter account back in November that was filmed, initially approved, then ultimately rejected by WWE brass.
a few weeks ago, i made a statement that some deemed controversial. my intentions were to bring a beautiful vision to life. unfortunately, for reasons beyond my control, i won't be able to make that vision a reality. but i can share with you what could have been. pic.twitter.com/V2bKzYJUrw
— Mustafa Ali (@MustafaAli_X) November 13, 2021
The report goes on to say that Ali was off on paternity leave, but has been ready to return since December. Ali’s last television match came on the October 29, 2021 SmackDown, where he lost to Drew McIntyre in two minutes.
Ali, real name Adeel Alam, joined WWE as a late replacement in the 2016 Cruiserweight Classic. Arguably his most high-profile run in the company came in 2020 and 2021 as the leader of the Retribution stable. He would go on to a singles run following Retribution being disbanded, including a program with Mansoor that culminated in a singles match on the Crown Jewel pay-per-view last October.