Superstar who requested WWE release returns after 6 months to challenge Theory
Mustafa Ali made a surprising return to WWE TV for the first time in six months and confronted United States Champion Theory on the latest edition of Monday Night RAW.
Ali's last appearance for the company was on an episode of Friday Night SmackDown in October 2021. He requested his release from WWE earlier this year, but it was declined.
On this week's RAW, Theory was a special guest on Miz TV, where the two seemed to get along. The Miz called the 24-year-old a reflection of himself, but unsurprisingly, the show faced an interruption.
Mustafa Ali interrupted them and challenged Theory to a title match, but the latter declined his request. There were multiple references made to him requesting his release. However, his night didn't end too well.
Looks like @AliWWE made his intentions clear, @austintheory1!
#WWERaw https://t.co/cYAJmi0nvF
Mustafa Ali's return may not immediately lead to a title shot against Theory
Some things never change........
@NXTCiampa breaking our hearts on #WWERaw. https://t.co/JyDBD1tOIu
Mustafa Ali faced two-time WWE Champion The Miz and walked out victorious. However, post-match, as he was walking back to gorilla position, he was assaulted from behind by Tommaso Ciampa, who is expected to simply go by the name of Ciampa.
It established him as a heel for the first time in years. For the uninitiated, Ciampa was considered one of WWE's greatest heels during the peak of his NXT run where he became the NXT Champion. He eventually turned face and that was the role he held when he finally ended his run with the brand.
It looks like Ali vs. Ciampa will be the direction going forward for now.
Are you excited for a feud between the two superstars on Monday Night RAW? Let us know in the comments section below!
Check out Ciampa's thoughts on facing a new opponent for the first time in the video below: