UPDATED: Mustafa Ali Asks for WWE Release, Rumor on Vince McMahon Involvement

UPDATE: Fightful Select has released a new update with additional details surrounding Mustafa Ali announcing that he’s requesting his WWE release.

Initially, Mustafa Ali only requested for one show off for paternity leave as his wife recently gave birth to their third child. Since that time, he has not appeared on WWE programming since November, including Survivor Series or the edition of WWE SmackDown held in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois.

Ali is said to have been available to return to action for WWE since the first week of December 2021. One source reportedly shared surprise that Ali was not used at the Chicago TV taping at all since it’s Ali’s hometown.

Earlier in November, Mustafa Ali shared a video for a “New America” gimmick that he had filmed for WWE. At the time, Ali wrote, “A few weeks ago, I made a statement that some deemed controversial. My intentions were to bring a beautiful vision to life. unfortunately, for reasons beyond my control, I won’t be able to make that vision a reality. But I can share with you what could have been.”

According to Fightful’s report, the gimmick was initially accepted by WWE, before those in power ultimately changed their mind and nixed the idea. In its place, Vince McMahon reportedly pitched an idea for Mustafa Ali that was “something Mustafa Ali would never have done.” Ali has not appeared on WWE programming since that time. The details of Vince McMahon’s pitch are unknown.

a few weeks ago, i made a statement that some deemed controversial. my intentions were to bring a beautiful vision to life. unfortunately, for reasons beyond my control, i won't be able to make that vision a reality. but i can share with you what could have been. pic.twitter.com/V2bKzYJUrw

— Mustafa Ali (@MustafaAli_X) November 13, 2021

ORIGINAL: Mustafa Ali has announced that he has asked for his release from WWE. Ali posted to his Twitter account on Sunday morning with a brief clip with text that reads as follows:

I have a message that is much bigger than my dreams in pro wrestling. Despite my best efforts, I will not be able to deliver this message while working with WWE.

Therefore, I am requesting my release from WWE.”

No word as of yet on whether Ali has been granted his release. Ali began working with WWE in 2016 as part of the Cruiserweight Classic tournament.

i am requesting my release from wwe pic.twitter.com/Q1QP8SA5zV

— Mustafa Ali (@MustafaAli_X) January 16, 2022