Released WWE Superstar has received pitches in AEW - Reports

AEW is a popular destination for former WWE Superstars, but not everyone makes the jump after leaving the Stamford-based promotion. Many fans expected Mustafa Ali to join the young promotion after his WWE release, but that hasn't happened yet.

Mustafa Ali competed for WWE from 2016 to 2023. Originally a top star in the cruiserweight division, Ali eventually moved to the main roster and led the failed Retribution stable. The 38-year-old expressed frustration in 2022 and even requested his release, but it was denied.

Ali was ultimately released in September of 2023. He returned to the independent scene and has competed in both TNA and NJPW this year, but he's yet to make an appearance in AEW. According to a recent report from Fightful Select, he has been discussed by the promotion.

Fightful notes that Ali is currently a free agent following his departure from TNA in August. There have been pitches to bring him into AEW, but as of now, nothing has come of them.

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Mustafa Ali has mentioned AEW as a potential destination

Since departing WWE, Mustafa Ali has worked hard to build himself back up on the independent scene. He's taken on the gimmick of a politician and has been "campaigning" to capture a more prominent position.

The 38-year-old's campaign has taken him through promotions like TNA, NJPW, HOG, and GCW, but he hasn't yet set foot in an AEW arena. That doesn't mean that he never will, though.

In September, Ali took his campaign to Chicago, where he mingled with fans outside NOW Arena on the day of All Out 2024. The former WWE Superstar posted a video of the stop on his X account, teasing a future debut with the Jacksonville-based promotion:

Mustafa Ali has been adamant about his desire to contribute to the wrestling industry, and his work on the independent scene has gained him a sizeable following. Whether he will ever sign with All Elite Wrestling remains to be seen.