Mustafa Ali Says He Wants Change In Pro Wrestling Following First Post-WWE Match

Mustafa Ali's "world tour campaign" kicked off over the weekend as the 37-year-old defeated Aigle Blanc in the main event of Association les Professionnels du Catch's (APC) 20th Anniversary show on January 6.

The match was Ali's first since his WWE release in September 2023 and he cut a promo following the main event, noting he wants changes to happen in the industry.

"I've been thinking for more than the past 90 days, what's the first thing I want to say? And it's as simple as this -- and if I tear up, I apologise because I believe this from the bottom of my heart -- every upper management person that I have ever worked for in this industry has told me to my face, 'No one will ever cheer for someone named Mustafa Ali.' [Crowd boos and says 'f**k them.'] Nah, even better than 'f**k them.' Show them. To those people watching, right now I'm in a sold out house at APC, and every single person in this building is chanting 'Mustafa Ali!' [Crowd chants 'Ali.'] I'm going to leave the ring with one more note, and this is what I want in the industry. I want change in the industry. I want guys that are at a certain level to reach down and pull people up," Ali stated.

"The young man that I just shared the ring with, let me tell you something, I have been in the ring with Rey Mysterio, I've been in the ring with AJ Styles, you name them, I've been in the ring with them and you, my good man, are just as good as them. It was an absolute honour to perform here. I landed this morning, and I have not slept, and I don't give a s**t cause this gives me life. Thank you all. Goodnight."

Following his match at APC, Mustafa Ali will head to Game Changer Wrestling. He will also make his PROGRESS Wrestling debut later this month on January 28 against Leon Slater. Ali will be utilising his politician character that repeatedly faced opposition within WWE.

H/T Fightful