Update on Mustafa Ali/WWE, Royal Rumble pitch, more
Added 2022-02-03 17:01:09 +0000 UTCMustafa Ali asked for his WWE release publicly a couple of weeks ago, which Fightful has learned WWE doesn't intend to grant.
Fightful learned via WWE sources that the term "value" was used in reasoning behind keeping Mustafa Ali under contract. He's not been brought back to TV since an argument with Vince McMahon over creative direction. Despite those two things, as of now, we're told there are no working plans in creative for Mustafa Ali, which could certainly change at any moment. We're also told there is little correspondence, if any, between the two sides.
Beyond that, Fightful learned that Mustafa Ali still has "well over a year, at least" on his WWE deal, although we haven't heard of a specific expiration date on the deal.
Regarding Ali's tweet about not wanting in the Royal Rumble, we're told at least one talent pitched an idea for Mustafa Ali to eliminate them, and were posed with the question if Ali would even be interested. Based on his tweet, it would appear he wasn't.
Comments
What negative publicy? A few folks complaining online?
KPnDC
2022-02-05 20:56:03 +0000 UTCCould he start a Twitch to force the issue?
Jim La Rose
2022-02-03 21:47:17 +0000 UTCAt this point, he's been "undervalued" for years now. Not offering his release is petty and vindictive now. You'd think keeping a healthy relationship with talent would help them show good will to the next gen. Loved seeing the "Free Ali, Freelance Is Home" Sign last night.
Rincewind
2022-02-03 17:45:45 +0000 UTCIf I'm Ali, I'm wondering if there's anything I could do to force their hand. Start a twitch channel, start a cameo, or break one of those weird rules that WWE. forces their talent to adhere to.
e d
2022-02-03 17:37:28 +0000 UTCThey "value" him enough to keep him but not utilize him for the duration of his contract. That's being stubborn and petty to Mustafa.
Sheila Antonio
2022-02-03 17:25:18 +0000 UTCIt is mind blowing that they refuse to let him go. He clearly has no intention of stepping into a WWE ring again.
Travis Selvidge
2022-02-03 17:19:15 +0000 UTCthis is terrible. at some point you think the negative publicity on WWE will force their hand to let him go. hope he's OK through all of this
Ant
2022-02-03 17:08:06 +0000 UTCValue to whom? Because WWE certainly hasn't shown that they "value" him.
Trent Hill
2022-02-03 17:04:48 +0000 UTC
