WWE had it’s latest batch of talent roster cuts last night (September 21), when 22 stars from across the main roster and NXT were released from their contracts.
While a good chunk of the talents let go during the cuts had not really featured on television in recent months, one name who was in a rather prevalent role was Mustafa Ali, who was scheduled for an NXT North American Championship match with Dominik Mysterio at NXT No Mercy next Saturday.
Despite Ali being featured heavily on NXT, he was let go from his contract last night, and we may now have more information as to why he was so suddenly released.
Per Haus of Wrestling, one WWE source said that they do not believe that Ali was ever going to get the opportunity to really shine in the company, noting that they were not really sure why that would be the case.
Those that spent time around Ali during his NXT run said that he was ‘always upbeat and smiled’, even though some could tell he was unhappy with his position, with one person describing him as ‘the ultimate pro’.
It was also noted that, from what was gathered, Ali was not totally caught off-guard by his release from the company.
One possible reason that was given for his release was his recent politically charged vignette on NXT television, where he campaigned to become the new North American Champion.
This shift in character had been pitched by Ali while on the main roster, but it was never followed through on, with Ali releasing a vignette for the character on his social media last year.
It was said that, once some within the company saw Ali’s vignette on NXT TV, they ‘freaked out’ because FOX had previously expressed nervousness about him heading in that direction.
The political angle on NXT television was dropped shortly after the segment aired.
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