WWE Rumor Roundup - Goldberg's Elimination Chamber opponent revealed, details of major star's release being denied, Locker room morale at 'decades-long' low (February 4th, 2022)

#4. Original Royal Rumble pitch for Mustafa Ali, why WWE does not want to release him

Mustafa Ali's public request for a WWE release continues to be a hot topic of discussion, and updates on his status have finally been revealed, courtesy of Fightful Select.

The company reportedly does not wish to grant Mustafa Ali his release, and sources noted that the term "value" was brought up regarding the reasoning for keeping the superstar.

The former 205 Live superstar has not appeared on company programming since his alleged argument with Vince McMahon about a creative decision. As of this writing, the writing team has no 'working plans' for Mustafa Ali; however, the situation could potentially change at any time.

Regarding Ali's contract, Fightful reported that the former RETRIBUTION leader still has "well over a year," and no specific date was provided.

Mustafa Ali missed the Royal Rumble show, but there were pitches made for the superstar backstage. An unnamed wrestler even proposed the idea for Ali to eliminate them from the match.

However, as seen in Mustafa Ali's tweet, the superstar had no interest in competing at the Rumble and is just focused on getting out of the WWE.

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#3. Superstars frustrated with direction of the company

As also reported by Fightful, the locker room morale in the WWE is said to be at an all-time low. After a disappointing Royal Rumble event, several wrestlers are reportedly frustrated over the organization's future.

Sources revealed that almost the entire roster is affected by the low morale as 'consistent main eventers,' and those who aren't regularly on TV are discouraged by the company's direction.

Wrestlers are finding it difficult to get their voice across to management. Their attempts to speak with Vince McMahon often "go ignored, met with haste, or sometimes seemingly spitefully go the other way based on their recommendations."

Superstars have also complained about the lack of storyline continuing in the WWE and how nothing else matters on TV beyond probably four top names.

Many people behind the scenes believe Vince McMahon is setting up the company for an eventual sale, as that would be the only way to explain the recent decisions.

The situation within the promotion doesn't look pretty, and officials would hope for it to get better as we approach WrestleMania.