One of the more frustrating WWE releases for the company was Mustafa Ali. This was because he was factored into plans on the NXT brand – and forced Shawn Michaels to pivot to a new direction in regards to one of the championships.
Mustafa Ali was supposed to finally win his first WWE Championship at NXT No Mercy – and would have become the NXT North American Champion.
Mustafa Ali Was Replaced By Trick Williams In WWE NXT Plans
The originally scheduled match for No Mercy would have seen Ali go one on one with Dominik Mysterio, and leave as the North American Champion.
However Ali would be released before these plans could play out – leaving Shawn Michaels to pivot to a new direction. Instead, Trick Williams would defeat Mysterio at No Mercy to win his first championship.
This was not a result that pleased fans, leading to Mysterio winning the belt back a few days later – making him a two time NXT North American Champion.
Mysterio is now next to Carmelo Hayes & Johnny Gargano as a multi-time North American Champion, putting him elite company on the NXT brand. It’s unclear if Ali would have gotten the same negative reaction online for a title win – but it seems unlikely.
Ali Might Have Gotten A Better Reception With Fans For A Title Win
Ali was a constant fan favourite since his debut as part of the Cruiserweight Classic tournament. His first title win would have been a well deserved moment in his WWE career, with many feeling he should have held the WWE Cruiserweight Championship or United States Championship at some point.
Ali is now expected to land in either All Elite Wrestling or New Japan Pro Wrestling, being an especially great fit in the NJPW Junior Heavyweight division.
He is one of the names with the most post-WWE potential, as it’s a mystery to fans how someone so talented didn’t rise to a championship level within WWE.
Do you think Ali would have gotten a longer run as champion than Trick Williams did? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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