UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, Mustafa Ali made his highly-anticipated return to WWE NXT during tonight’s live broadcast, sending shockwaves through the wrestling community. Just announced, Ali is set to challenge for the NXT North American Championship against current champion Dominik Mysterio in a match that promises to be electrifying.
This surprise revelation unfolded during the opening segment when NXT General Manager Ava revealed the team captains for the upcoming cross-promotional event with TNA. Newly crowned NXT Champion Ricky Saints and Jacy Jane will lead the NXT squad, while TNA’s Knockouts Champion Kelani Jordan and Mike Santana represent TNA.
The buzz intensified when Ali, who was released by WWE in 2024, returned to the ring after a long absence, marking his first WWE appearance since his match against Dragon Lee in September 2023. Ali expressed his mixed feelings about his release, stating, “I was a main roster guy making main roster money and there were no plans for me on the main roster,” during an interview with The Takedown on SI.
Fans can expect a thrilling match as Ali confronts Ethan Page for the North American title. The stakes are high, as Ali aims to reclaim his place in WWE after a successful run in TNA, where he held the X-Division Championship before losing it to Speedball Mike Bailey.
The upcoming cross-promotional event, originally titled “Invasion,” is now being marketed as “Showdown” and is scheduled for October 7, 2023. Reports indicate that the name change was made due to concerns regarding “extreme insensitivity” by WWE, although the specifics remain unclear.
As the wrestling world buzzes with excitement over Ali’s return and the implications for both WWE and TNA, fans are urged to stay tuned for further updates. The combination of Ali’s dynamic presence and the championship match promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Expect more breaking updates as this story develops!
