5 opponents for Mustafa Ali in AEW

Could an AEW move be imminent for Mustafa Ali? The WWE superstar has publicly requested a release by posting on social media. It is no surprise, as Ali has long been one of the most underappreciated wrestlers in the company.

This came hot on the heels of behind-the-scenes rumors regarding Ali's frustrations with Vince McMahon.

Reportedly, the boss pitched an idea that Mustafa Ali did not fancy doing which led to a heated argument between the two.

Ali has not been at any SmackDown tapings since asking for time off for paternity leave in November.

It looks like WWE has denied Ali's release request, but the cruiserweight remains adamant that he will get his way with the #FreeAli movement gaining steam on social media.

The former Retribution leader is one of the most talented high-flyers in the ring and can deliver on the mic when called upon. He will be a highly sought-after free agent if the company ultimately grants his wish.

Here are five possible opponents we'd like to see Ali face off against in AEW.

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#5. Possible AEW opponent - Dante Martin

High-flyer vs. high-flyer. Young upstart vs. established name. Leave Dante Martin and Mustafa Ali in the ring to their own devices, and they will without a doubt produce a banger.

Martin's stock has risen significantly over the past year on Dynamite, having proven himself against the likes of Kenny Omega and Malakai Black.

The twenty-year-old's arsenal of show-stopping moves and freakish athleticism would be an excellent match for Ali's in-ring prowess. While the rookie still has a lot to learn in the business, Ali seems like the type of person who genuinely wants to help younger talents.

While it will not necessarily be a marquee match, it might steal the show given the talents of both wrestlers.

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#4. Possible AEW opponent - Sammy Guevara

"Mustafa Ali to AEW" opens up a whole world of possibilities and opponents. Current Interim TNT champion Sammy Guevara could be one such matchup that excites fans.

Guevara is one of the most popular wrestlers in Tony Khan's company, and his rivalries are always given a decent spotlight.

The Spanish God and Ali can engage in a game of one-upmanship with the two upping the ante in terms of spectacular maneuvers.

A feud over the TNT championship would also add more stakes to their rivalry and give Ali a significant push early in his run in Tony Khan's promotion.

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#3. Possible AEW opponent - Bryan Danielson

Mustafa Ali posted a video on Twitter recently from a training session where he used the Cattle Mutilation submission hold.

The Cattle Mutilation was, of course, made famous by Bryan Danielson during his time wrestling on the independent scene before he first signed with WWE.

While it might be pure coincidence, what if Ali is teasing a possible showdown between the two wrestlers?

They faced each other back in late 2018 when Bryan was WWE champion and was early into his run as the 'Planet's Champion.' Back then, Ali and Bryan displayed amazing chemistry.

Tony Khan should consider revisiting this rivalry now that both wrestlers have the freedom to express themselves fully in the ring and on the mic.

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#2. Possible AEW opponent - Kenny Omega

AEW is full of world-class wrestlers, and chief among them is Kenny Omega. The Cleaner has a long history of delivering in big match situations and in terms of epic storytelling.

While the former world champion is currently taking a short hiatus to heal his injuries, he will no doubt be proud of the body of work he's created in Tony Khan's company.

If Ali wants a formidable opponent to kickstart his AEW career, there's no one better to create wrestling magic with than Kenny Omega.

The Best Bout Machine's mix of hard-hitting offenses would mesh extremely well against Ali's versatility. The two men have the potential to produce a Match of the Year contender for any promotion.

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#1. Possible AEW opponent - CM Punk

One thing Mustafa Ali and CM Punk share in common is that they are both Chicago natives. But while Ali struggled to make a name for himself in the minor leagues, Punk was already on top of the world as WWE champion.

By the time Ali made it to the WWE via the Cruiserweight Classic, the Straightedge Superstar was long gone from the wrestling business.

Given their hometown roots, it wouldn't be impossible to imagine Ali looking up to Punk early in his career. While they have never crossed paths in the ring, there is potential for some compelling television if they were to eventually meet in Tony Khan's company.

One of Ali's most underrated qualities is his mic work.

He might want to test himself against the best in the world in this department. Perhaps Punk can throw a cheeky dig at Ali about failing to lead his faction Retribution as Punk did with the Straightedge Society or Nexus.