Backstage Reaction to 39-Year-Old Star’s WWE Return After 749 Days
Mustafa Ali is back in WWE.
The 39-year-old star had a notable career in the Stamford-based promotion spanning from 2016 to 2023. He initially made an impression by competing in the Cruiserweight Classic in 2016 and subsequently became a prominent figure on the 205 Live and SmackDown brands. He was known for his athleticism, unique in-ring style, and storytelling ability.
Despite his talents and a memorable stint as the leader of the faction Retribution in 2020, Ali often struggled with consistent booking and never captured a main roster or NXT title during his WWE tenure. The Stamford-based promotion released him in September 2023, shortly before a scheduled match at NXT No Mercy.
Reports indicate that the release was partly due to WWE’s creative direction changes and the company’s evolving roster needs, amid Ali seeking more opportunities and control over his career.
After his release, Mustafa Ali continued wrestling on the independent circuit and appeared for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He recently made a surprising return to WWE on the October 1, 2025, episode of NXT after being away from the promotion for 749 days, sparking excitement among fans and wrestling insiders.
During his return, Ali confronted NXT North American Champion Ethan Page, demanding a title shot and highlighting the perceived missed opportunities during his previous WWE run.
Talents and Backstage People Were Happy To See Mustafa Ali Back in WWE
According to Fightful Select, backstage reaction to Mustafa Ali’s return has been overwhelmingly positive. Sources report that many within the Stamford-based promotion, especially in NXT, viewed his promo as a triumphant homecoming and a return to form. His detailed and passionate promo drew praise for rekindling interest in his character and storyline potential.
It was also revealed that significant figures like Shawn Michaels were against Ali’s 2023 release and had intentions for him to pursue the North American Championship, making his comeback feel like a rectification of past creative missteps.
This support and optimism among peers and management have made Ali’s return one of the most talked-about moments in recent WWE programming.