Potential return for Mustafa Ali first reported by Fightful Select

Fightful Select is reporting on internal discussions to bring Mustafa Ali back to WWE television. The news was released Sunday evening.

According to the report, there was a “pitch” made for him to appear on WWE Monday Night Raw.

Ali is a lightning rod of a topic within professional wrestling. Ali took to social media back in January to request his release from the company. That release was not granted, which was met with disdain from fans.

WWE released more than 100 talent and personnel since the start of the COVID-19 global pandemic, citing budget cuts. Fans pointed to those releases, but a refusal to release Ali as a major concern, leading to the creation of the #FreeAli trend across social media, with some fans showing support on AEW television.

Mustafa Ali last appeared on WWE television back in October on WWE SmackDown, where Drew McIntyre defeated him in less than two minutes. According to reports, Ali had an argument with Vince McMahon over his creative direction, furthering his frustrations with the company.

“I have a message that is much bigger than my dreams in pro wrestling, Ali said on Twitter. 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.”

He would follow that up by telling his fans “I’ll see ya all in like 2 ½ years,” that following month.

WWE has not officially announced Ali’s involvement on Monday Night Raw as of this writing.

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