Mustafa Ali, the former WWE star, delivered a poignant promo upon his return to the ring at an independent event on Saturday night (January 6).
Ali, one of the names released during the September 2023 WWE cuts, marked his comeback after the completion of his 90-day non-compete clause at the APC 20th Anniversary event in Nanterre, France, as part of his global tour.
Following his win over Aigle Blanc, Ali grabbed the microphone to address the fans, revealing that he had taken considerable time to contemplate what he wanted to express in his comeback speech. In the heartfelt promo, he shared his vision of bringing about positive change in the wrestling industry:
“For more than the past 90 days, I’ve thought about what’s the first thing I want to say? And it’s as simple as this, and if I tear up, I apologize from the bottom of my heart.
“Every upper management I’ve worked for in this industry told me to my face that no one will ever cheer for someone named Mustafa Ali. (Fans boo, one says “fk them!”) No, even better than fk them, show them!
“And if those people are watching, right now I’m in a sold-out house in APC. And every single person in this building is chanting Mustafa Ali! I’m going to leave the ring with one more point. This is what I want in the industry. I want change in the industry. I want guys that are a certain level to reach down and pull people up.
“The young man I just shared the ring with, let me tell you something. I have shared the ring with Rey Mysterio! I have been in the ring with AJ Styles! Name them, I’ve been in the ring with them, and you, my good man, are just as good as them.
“It was an absolute honor to perform here. I landed this morning, and I have not slept, and I don’t give a s**t because this gives me life! Thank you all, good night, I love you.”
Recent revelations brought to light scrapped plans for Mustafa Ali to win a WWE title ahead of his release.
