WWE Decided To Release Mustafa Ali At The Last Minute
Mustafa Ali’s WWE release was a last minute decision
Sep 29, 2023
When news broke of WWE talent releases last week, Mustafa Ali’s name was the first revealed publicly, with the former Retribution leader revealing his WWE exit on Twitter/X.
Many were shocked at Ali’s exit, especially as he was in the midst of a programme on NXT TV. Per a report from Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Ali’s release was seemingly a ‘last minute decision’.
Ali was feuding with NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio, setting up a title bout between the two at NXT No Mercy on September 30. According to Meltzer, there were names ‘on the bubble’ and names to be cut, with Ali thought to have been safe until a last-minute change of mind.
Losing Ali mid-angle has reportedly been a source of frustration to NXT management, with Ali included in creative well into 2024. With Ali out of the equation, Mysterio will now face Trick Williams for the title, with Dragon Lee serving as guest referee for the match.