38-year-old star addresses potential WWE return after over a year
WWE will enter a new era when RAW hits Netflix and SmackDown becomes a three-hour show in 2025. Meanwhile, Mustafa Ali recently addressed the possibility of returning to the Stamford-based promotion after he was released from the company in 2023.
Mustafa Ali was released from the Stamford-based promotion days before his title match at NXT No Mercy. Ali wasn't the only release, as the company had a few notable releases under the new regime, and the stars eventually landed on their feet in the industry.
In an interview on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, the 38-year-old star was asked if he would like to return to WWE shortly. The former X Division Champion stated there are multiple paths to return to the promotion, given their collaboration with other companies, and the move to Netflix also plays a part.
“I think there’s multiple paths, yeah. And the thing is there’s good relations there. The thing with them moving to Netflix is very, very interesting, because it just opens things. I don’t know how much the show is going to do. The show is going to change, as far as dynamic, as far as rating, as far as what they’re okay with," Ali said. [H/T - CVV]
Was Mustafa Ali scheduled to win a title before his WWE release?
Last year, Mustafa Ali adopted a new gimmick and returned to the developmental brand under Shawn Michaels' creative leadership. The 38-year-old star won the majority of his matches and was on track to win championship gold.
However, The Judgment Day's Dominik Mysterio ruined those plans as he challenged Wes Lee for the North American Championship and won his first singles title with Finn Balor, Damian Priest, and Rhea Ripley's help.
In the coming months, Ali continued his winning ways and defeated notable names on the brand to receive a shot at Dominik Mysterio's championship. However, days before the event, he was released from WWE.
The 38-year-old star has addressed it in other interviews, including the one with Chris Van Vliet, where he was told he would win the North American Championship from Dominik Mysterio.