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Mustafa Ali requests WWE release: ‘I have a message that is much bigger than my dreams in pro wrestling’

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Mustafa Ali has requested his release from WWE.

The 35-year-old star has decided he wants to call time on his career with the company, having first debuted in the Cruiserweight Classic back in 2016 and having spells on 205 Live, Raw and SmackDown.

Confirming his decision on Twitter, he wrote: ‘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.’

It’s yet to be confirmed whether or not the company has decided to grant his request, but WWE did let Toni Storm go earlier this month when she decided to leave.

Last year alone, the sports entertainment giant released over 80 superstars including the likes of Braun Strowman, Aleister Black, Bray Wyatt and many more.

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

— Mustafa Ali / Adeel Alam (@AliWWE) January 16, 2022

Fans have been clamouring for Ali to get more of a chance for a long time, but it never came to fruition and he hasn’t held a championship since his debut.

He did get unveiled as the leader of RETRIBUTION, but the group’s run as a whole was seen is a major disappointment and missed opportunity considering the huge talent involved.

Meanwhile, Ali thought he was going to face Kofi Kingston at WrestleMania 37 last year, with their history going back to 2019 when an injury to Ali took him out of the WWE Championship picture and paved the way for KofiMania as the New Day veteran won his first world title after an 11-year wait.

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Mustafa referenced this earlier in 2021 when – as the then-leader of RETRIBUTION – he called out Kofi for stealing his moment, and it seemed like WWE were going to weave real life issues into their on-screen storylines.

Speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk, Ali said: ‘The story was presented and I really thought that was the direction we might be going for in this year’s WrestleMania.

‘Again, like I said, things change and other things take priority sometimes. We almost got to it, so I will try to get to it again. There’s so much real emotion that I can just bring up and bring out in promos leading to that match.’

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