Kofi Kingston on Mustafa Ali: ‘I feel for him because I understand’
Mustafa Ali’s status with the WWE is a story to watch. The well-liked performer requested his release from the WWE, but the response from the company is that they will not grant that request even as multiple stars were released due to “budget cuts.” Former WWE Champion, Kofi Kingston, spoke about the situation, offering his support to his colleague.
“I feel for him,” Kingston said while speaking with Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports. “I feel for him because I understand the frustrations he’s going through and I feel like somebody who is so incredibly talented should always be afforded the opportunity to shine. He hasn’t really necessarily been given that. That is one of the most unfortunate natures of our industry.”
This is a powerful statement coming from Kingston, an individual who was finally elevated to a position higher up the roster after a fan surge led to KofiMania in 2019. Ali, unfortunately, suffered a concussion in February that led to Kingston’s insertion into a main event storyline heading into the Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania where he would win the title from Daniel Bryan. This was a link between the two men that WWE would never bring back up, even after Kingston and Ali hinted at the idea on social media years later.
“I guess we’ll see where it all goes,” Kingston continued. “I’m a firm believer in everything happening for a reason and when it’s all said and done, he will have grown from this whole experience, for sure. I don’t know where it’s going to end. I don’t know where it’s going to go, but he’ll always have my support in terms of my desire to want to see him do well because he is so incredibly talented, not just in the ring, but outside the ring too.”
Free Ali has become a trending hashtag since the reveal that WWE will not honor his request for release. Fans and other wrestlers from across the industry are pushing for WWE to grant him this wish, especially if there aren’t plans to use him in a fashion that fits his view of his career and purpose.
“I have a message that is much bigger than my dreams in pro wrestling,” Ali said in a social media post. “Despite my best efforts, I will not be able to deliver this message while working with the WWE. Therefore, I am requesting my release from the WWE.”
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Ali was last seen on WWE television back in October on SmackDown where Drew McIntyre defeated him. Since then, it is requested he reported one week of paternity leave to welcome in a new addition to his family, but WWE has not utilized him, nor has he attended shows. Ali has continued to share videos of him training intricate sequences in the ring to show he’s ready to perform.
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