4 Wrestling rumors we hope are true and 3 we hope aren't: Young star to get big push at the Royal Rumble, 4-time champion set to leave WWE?

#2. Hope isn't true: Backstage news on whether WWE will grant Mustafa Ali a release request

When the pandemic began, WWE started to release talent in masses. It seemed as though the releases came in batches, and the number amped up in 2021 with some shocking names on the list.

However, it was also noted that they was granting releases to superstars who previously requested them. This meant that when Mustafa Ali publicly requested his release, the assumption was that it would be granted immediately.

However, things seem to be a bit more complicated than that. There were reports that Ali got into a heated conversation with Vince McMahon over disagreements on a character. As a result, he could be on bad terms with the company's main man.

Sean Ross Sapp enquired about whether Mustafa Ali would be granted his release request. Shockingly, sources within the company told him that Ali wouldn't be granted a release:

"According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, he spoke with someone high up within WWE who stated it's hard not to grant releases to talent right now who ask for it due to all of the explanations of "budget cuts" over the past year."

We hope this isn't true because it sets a bad precedent. Why keep Mustafa Ali on the payroll when he is willing to leave on his own? It also adds doubt to the company telling talents that their releases are due to budget cuts.