Mustafa Ali should make get one last run in WWE NXT

Fightful Select recently gave an update on Bobby Lashley’s contract. Many are wondering what is next for the former champion as it seems like his time with WWE is coming to an end. In that same report, Fightful also gave a quick update on one Mustafa Ali reporting that he “is finished with TNA for the time being.” While that was removed from the full post, it still brings to question what could be next for Ali. It would make sense for WWE to attempt to bring him in for a brief run in NXT.

Mustafa Ali is a fan favorite throughout professional wrestling. Not only is he a great performer in the ring, but he stands for things outside the ring that take a level of bravery and conviction. When WWE released him in 2023, fans hoped to see big things, and big things are exactly what happened.

Ali would go on a massive campaign across the world that would see him picking up championships all over. The biggest of which was his run as the TNA X-Division Champion. Back in July, he dropped that belt to Mike Bailey in a match that deserves consideration as one of the best this year. His last match was on August 3 where he dropped the DREAMWAVE Alternative Title to Marcus Mathers in a four-way battle. So, what’s next for Ali? This is where the WWE should come calling.

Shawn Michaels has done a fantastic job with WWE NXT. Ever since about August 2022, the show has started to turn around, with 2024 being the year in which many would consider it the best weekly programming, regardless of promotion. One thing the company has done well is bringing in surprise names from outside the company. This is where Ali should fit in. Michaels openly talked about the surprise he felt when Ali was cut from the company.

“I found out right before [Mustafa Ali] did,” Michaels said in 2023. “I’d be lying to you if I didn’t say it, was a surprise. I’m learning that WWE and NXT are two separate rosters. I think the world of Mustafa. Great working relationship with him in the time that he was here. I will miss him.”

Here’s to hoping that relationship can be rekindled. Imagine Ali stepping back into NXT to be a surprise contender for Oba Femi and the NXT North American Championship. That’s the same title he was supposed to challenge for the day before he was terminated. Seeing him walk back through the curtain to get the shot, perhaps a win and another leg to his campaign would certainly garner some attention. The question is whether or not he’d be willing to make a quick run through WWE NXT based on how things ended the first time around. It was well-known that he had issues with Vince McMahon, even requesting his release at one point.

If fences can be mended, WWE should look to bring Mustafa Ali back into WWE NXT. It wouldn’t have to be a long-term run, as Ali is doing some of his best work to date. Yet, as NXT continues to be the place of surprises, it would be amazing to see him get one last run on Tuesdays.