Mustafa Ali Reflects On X-Division Title Run, Revitalizing the Division

Mustafa Ali did what he could to help push the X-Division back into prominence in TNA, something he looks back with pride on. Ali was the champion of the X-Division from February of 2024 until July of that year, and defended it against a some of the division’s classics in Chris Sabin (who he initially won it off of) and Amazing Red.

Ali reflected on that title run during a recent interview on the Johnny I Pro Show. He spoke about battling the “OGs” of the division and how he feels like he helped revitalize the division at the time. You can see highlights below:

On Facing X-Division Legends In TNA:

“Man, you talk about innovators that like — I think Red is now getting his flowers. But I hope Sabin and Shelly and all these guys that really held down the fort for TNA, developed the X-Division and more; I hope they get their flowers too. I’m very fortunate to be in that age group where I know the OGs, you know what I mean? The guys that really paved the way.

“And some of these guys don’t know who the hell they’re talking to sometimes. I’m like, ‘Yo, that’s Amazing Red, bro. That’s the man right there.’ So, yeah, what an honor to not only compete with them, but to beat them and defend the X-Division Championship.”

On the Current X-Division:

“I know Leon Slater did some amazing stuff with the X Division, taking it to multiple WWE events and things like that. But I’m very, very happy with what I did before his run. I really feel like I’m the one that revitalized that division. Because it was — I don’t think anyone was talking about the X Division.

“And then I came — cover of PWI, defending it all over the world [like] we talked about, and really making it a focal point of the show again. And Leon and now Cedric (Alexander) are doing a great job with that as well.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit Johnny I Pro Show Hardy with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.