Mustafa Ali returned to TNA Wrestling back in January on a LIVE! TNA iMPACT! episode and revealed that he had signed a contract with the company. Ever since that point, he’s been a top act and one of the most compelling characters and wrestlers on the show.
Prior to TNA, Ali was with WWE and had earned a shot at the WWE NXT North American title, but unfortunately had been released before he was able to get his shot. Now, things seemingly have come full circle, as he’ll get the shot on Tuesdays NXT-TNA Showdown episode, as a contracted member of the TNA roster.
During an interview with Adrian Hernandez, Mustafa Ali was asked if challenging for the NXT North American Championship means more being a TNA talent:
“I think this story itself stands alone. I understand it’s within the dynamic of TNA versus NXT, which is a very cool dynamic.. but this story itself is kind of standalone.
What I mean by that is we didn’t need this outside entity coming in to still do the story, but within the context of the show, obviously it works. So no, I don’t look at this opportunity and this upcoming showdown, so to speak, as like it means more because I’m a TNA wrestler.
But the historical significance of it—I don’t know if it’s been done. I don’t know if someone outside of WWE, not under WWE contract, has ever held a WWE championship. I don’t know if it’s been done. If it hasn’t been done, I would love to be the first.”
H/T Adrian Hernandez
Full interview:
Ali also talked with Denise Salcedo on her Instinct Culture channel about the conversation he had with NXT head Shawn Michaels about the segment that led to his title shot this last Tuesday.
“I got to have a really nice talk with Shawn. He really reiterated to me his belief in me. It’s Shawn Michaels, he doesn’t need to say these things. I don’t think he’s the type to give out compliments just ’cause.
“He just said some things that like, I’ll have a smile on my face about my time with WWE and NXT just because of that conversation.
“Yeah, you can knock on me like, ‘Ali’s the guy who got right here and never quite (broke through)’, but hey, if I got Shawn Michaels’ approval, I’m good with that.”
H/T Denise Salcedo.
Full interview:
Ali is challenging NXT North American Champion “All Ego” Ethan Page to a match for the North American title this Tuesday for the TNA-NXT LIVE Showdown TV special, only on the CW network at 8/7central time.
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