Mustafa Ali spent several years in WWE before he was released back in 2023. Many felt he wasnt able to live up to his potential and now Ali has admitted he turned down several pitches because he didnt want to embarrass his children.
While speaking on The Wrestling Classic, Mustafa Ali was asked about how, even in 2025, wrestling still sometimes relies on very stereotypical characters based on a persons nationality and how important it is for him to avoid falling into that trap.
Ali explained that he didnt want to sound like he was complaining, but admitted his career definitely faced several obstacles because he refused to do certain storylines or character ideas. He always turned them down professionally, never shouting or making a scene. Instead, he would calmly explain that he believed certain ideas could hurt the company, scare off advertisers, or create backlash.
More than that Ali said he didnt want to take on roles that hed be embarrassed to show his kids. He pointed out how these days, a child could go to school and get bullied over something they saw on the news or because of what some random person said online.
Ali said that words are powerful and while he cant control what people hear, he can control how they see and how he speaks, presents himself, and carries himself. Ali never wanted to do anything that might encourage someone to cause harm.
Because of this, he took a stand and while he wouldnt necessarily say his career suffered, there were definitely moments where opportunities were taken away because he wouldnt go along with certain plans.
Mustafa Ali ultimately did what was right for his beliefs and he is now more than happy working in TNA Wrestling, somewhere where he feels he can be himself and thats all that matters in the end.
Do you respect Mustafa Ali for turning down stereotypical roles, even if it cost him career opportunities? Sound off in the comments.
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