“I’ll Miss Him”: 37-Year-Old Stars’s WWE Release Upsets Shawn Michaels & NXT Higher Ups, Had Big Plans for Him in 2024

The recent mass WWE releases after the TKO merger have blown away several people in the business. A few of the WWE superstars were in the middle of their on-screen programs before getting released by the company. Amidst the shocking releases, recently Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative of NXT Shawn Michaels, gave his thoughts on a 37-year-old star who was fired by WWE.

The two-time WWE Hall of Famer had some major plans for this star ahead. Moreover, he also shared the vision for NXT after the 37-year-old, Mustafa Ali’s departure from WWE.

Shawn Michaels’ reaction to WWE releasing Mustafa Ali

The former leader of Retribution had been at loggerheads with Dominik Mysterio. Moreover, at the upcoming NXT No Mercy PLE, they were going to battle for the NXT North American Championship. However, those plans were scrapped after the superstar’s release from the wrestling promotion. Moreover, Shawn Michaels recently opened up over Ali’s release. 

While speaking on the NXT No Mercy media call shared by Fightful Select on YouTube, the ‘Heart Break Kid’ answered a question regarding Ali’s release. He claimed to have loved working with the former WWE superstar.

The four-time world champion said, “I found out right before he did. I will say this, I’d be lying to you if I said it didn’t take us by surprise. That’s one thing I’m learning here is that the main roster and NXT are totally separate rosters.”

He added, “I think the world of Mustafa. (We) had a great working relationship with him in the time that he was here, I will miss him.”

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Furthermore, Michaels told how NXT adjusts everything. He highlighted the ‘fire drill’ is a ‘regular’ thing in WWE and they have adjusted over the same. 

‘The Showstopper’ praised Ali for being an ‘unbelievably creative and talented young man’. Michaels had also stated recently about having some major plans for Ali in NXT. Moreover, he imparted his best wishes to the released superstar. The 37-year-old will not be able to finish his rival Mysterio at No Mercy PLE and NXT has found his replacement for the match.

Who replaced Mustafa Ali at No Mercy?

On the 21st of September 2023, WWE released Ali from his contract. Hence, his spot on No Mercy was vacant, which Trick Williams capitalized on. He became the number one contender on the 26th September episode of NXT after winning a decisive Fatal-4 Way match.

At No Mercy “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio will defend his title against Williams with Dragon Lee as the special guest referee.

What are your thoughts on Mustafa Ali’s release? Do you WWE should have considered his ongoing storyline before coming to a conclusion to release him? Share your opinion below.

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