WWE: Mustafa Ali Should Win, But Here’s Why Buddy Murphy Will

Ali as Ambassador for WWE

Over the past several weeks, WWE has expanded its relationship with EVOLVE. While the idea of a working relationship between the companies had always seemed somewhat one-sided in WWE’s favor: EVOLVE provided a sort of secondary developmental system for NXT, while any superstars WWE sent to EVOLVE were treats for the live audience only.

Beginning with EVOLVE 114 in October, the superstars of NXT who appeared on the card were also featured on the live stream, and wouldn’t you know, Fabian Aichner became EVOLVE Champion, while The Street Profits won the EVOLVE Tag Team Championships from The Doom Patrol.

What does this have to do with Mustafa Ali? Well, just a few weeks after the shocking title changes, Ali made his debut for EVOLVE at a pair of events. No titles were on the line, but Ali faced DJZ (who also has an affinity for LED-styled ring gear and high-flying) and Darby Allin, often referred to as the Heart of EVOLVE.

It’s clear that both EVOLVE and WWE think highly of Ali. If they didn’t, would he really be booked on a cross-promotional event? Look at the list of names WWE have sent to EVOLVE in the past: Sami Zayn, Adam Cole, and Velveteen Dream, among others. While we can argue just how well each has been treated by WWE, it can’t be denied that they have been on the receiving ends of some decent pushes.

Clearly, Ali falls into that category, and a Cruiserweight Championship victory may signify just how big a push he’s in for.