Mustafa Ali On Leaving WWE, RETRIBUTION, Brock Lesnar Stealing His MITB Win, TNA X Division Champion
en
December 24, 2024
TLDR: Professional wrestler Mustafa Ali talks about his new wrestling school in Chicago, his experience with Kofi Kingston's WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 35, being eliminated by Nia Jax in the Royal Rumble, near miss with Money in the Bank, the infamous Retribution faction, his viral RKO counter and more, all during an interview with Chris Van Vliet.

In the latest episode of Chris Van Vliet's podcast, Mustafa Ali takes center stage, discussing his remarkable journey in the world of professional wrestling. From his time in WWE to launching his own wrestling school, Ali shares experiences that are both enlightening and inspiring.
Key Highlights
Setting Up a New Foundation: Chicago Wrestling Center
- Introduction of Wrestling School: Mustafa is excited about opening the Chicago Wrestling Center in January 2025. It aims to become a comprehensive training facility for aspiring wrestlers.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: The center will feature top-notch training equipment, workout facilities, meal prep, and expert trainers from various wrestling promotions.
- Vision: Mustafa's goal is to provide a premier environment for professional wrestling, nurturing the next generation of talent.
Reflections on WWE and Key Moments
- Injury and Kofi Kingston's Victory: Muhammad recounts how his injury paved the way for Kofi Kingston's historic WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 35, a moment he feels proud to have indirectly contributed to.
- Royal Rumble and Nia Jax: Discussing his elimination by Nia Jax, he highlights how it was approached positively, showing his willingness to embrace unique match moments.
- Money in the Bank Finale: Mustafa recounts nearly winning the Money in the Bank match, only to be interrupted by Brock Lesnar, discussing the emotional rollercoaster of that night.
- RETRIBUTION Faction: Mustafa sheds light on the challenges of the RETRIBUTION faction, discussing its tumultuous reception and the lack of clear direction that ultimately affected its success.
The Philosophy of Risk and Reward
- Quote of the Episode: "The cost of never taking a risk is spending the rest of your life wishing you had." This mantra resonates with Ali as he embraces risks throughout his career.
- Emphasizing the Importance of Action: He advises aspiring wrestlers to pursue their dreams and take calculated risks, regardless of the obstacles they face.
Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
- Lessons from Release: Reflecting on his WWE release in 2023, Mustafa speaks about the initial shock but ultimately views it as a new beginning rather than an end.
- Parenthood and Balance: Mustafa elaborates on his journey as a father and how it shapes his perspective on life, wrestling, and his professional decisions.
Final Thoughts
Mustafa Ali’s story is more than just wrestling. It's a narrative of resilience, empathy, and the understanding that personal and professional growth goes hand in hand. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Chicago Wrestling Center, he carries with him not only the experience of a seasoned wrestler but also the determination to make a difference in the lives of up-and-coming talent.
By summarizing his insights and experiences, this episode undoubtedly offers valuable lessons for both wrestling enthusiasts and anyone interested in the dynamics of pursuing one’s passions. Engage with the journey of Mustafa Ali as he navigates the exhilarating yet challenging world of professional wrestling, reminding us all to take risks and follow our dreams.
Was this summary helpful?
Ladies and gentlemen, Chris Van Blee!
Oh, how are you my friends? Welcome back to another one here on Inside. It's me. It's me. It's CVV. Thank you for being here with us on this one. I know there's a ton of wrestling podcasts out there, but I appreciate you for coming back each and every episode. And thank you for making insight. The number one wrestling podcast.
on the planet. Hit a Frankenstein on that follow button so you don't miss out on anything that we have coming up. We are quickly approaching episode number 700. Just a few more to go. 700 will be one of if not the most requested guests that we've ever had.
Yeah, that interview goes live as our last interview of the year on the last day of the year. So make sure you're following the show on Spotify Apple podcasts really anywhere. So you don't miss out on that one on December 31st. Today on the show, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mustafa Ali. You know him from his time in WWE from 2016 to 2023. Then he spent most of his time
This year in TNA, where he won the exhibition championship, he was also in New Japan a little bit and a bunch of indies all over the world. He is just about to open his own wrestling school in Chicago called Chicago Wrestling Center. Classes begin in January, so if you're interested in getting trained by someone like him who has more than 20 years of wrestling experience, head to chicagowrestlingcenter.com for more info and to apply.
Lots to get into with Mustafa. Snap a screenshot. Let us know that you're listening and tag us on social media so we can share it out as well. He's at Mustafa underscore Ali on Instagram. He's at Mustafa Ali underscore X on Twitter. I'm at Chris Van Fleet and this is his first long form interview that he's done since leaving WWE. So I hope that you enjoy this as much as I did. Please welcome Mustafa Ali.
Congrats on the wrestling school. Thank you. Man, it looks like the wrestling school too. It is the place to become a professional wrestling. It says so in the trailer. I mean, if it says it, it must be true. And that's market. We just talked about this. Yes. But the photos you put out, the videos you put out, like this looks incredible.
Yeah, I'm really excited. It's something that's been sitting in the back of my mind for quite a while. But it's located in Niles. It's like 15 minutes from O'Hare in Chicago. And it's just the best of the best, man. I'm going to have the best trainers, you know, AEW, WWE, TNA. They all come to town. I'm going to invite them to come hang out and train and, you know, do seminars with the students there. So we launched in January 2025. I'm super excited. And Chicago WrestlingCenter.com, wherever it is.
What was the idea to do this? Because you're already busy, right? You're a husband, you're a father of three, you're working a ton of independent dates. Yeah. And now you're going to add something else to that. Yeah, yeah, yeah. It was definitely a lot of thought that got went into it, but it's also like you, you always want to plan for the future and I wanted something.
Um, not that's just financially beneficial to me long term, but also like I want to get back to Chicago wrestling. Like I'm forever a Chicago wrestling guy. I still trained there to this day, but I looked around. I just wasn't satisfied with what's being provided, to be honest with you. And that's not to like, you know, you know, shoot anybody down.
I just thought like, man, like what if there was a place, you know, performance center esque in Chicago, like the hotbed, like, you know, oh, you're coming in town, come train here. You're just starting out, come train here. And I truly feel like, you know that, like, when you find that perfect gym, you have that gym community and you have a home road that's pushing you or like this person comes in. I want that. There's so many like talented independent rosters in Chicago, but I feel like
If I was able just to kind of gather all of us together, you know, and then obviously with the experience that I have and the mindset that I have for wrestling, being able to teach like TV style wrestling as well. Like, I don't want to say giving back, but like,
I feel obligated to do it in a weird sense, you know. This isn't just a ring in a warehouse. No, I know that's like the format. Yeah, that's the rest of school I went to. Yeah, yeah, I'd be saying I was in a barn actually. A barn? Yeah, my first day of training, I took a bub, I look over and there's literally a horse like taking a dump.
I was like, well, a little barn, bro. Yeah. But you've got all the equipment for working out. You've got all the old machines. Everything's state of the art. It's weightlifting equipment, cardio equipment. There's a sauna in there. We're working on getting a cool plunge in there as well.
And then there's site services available, like meal prep, chiropractic care rehab. So it's like, I truly wanted to create like a one stop shop. And then obviously just to make it a destination, you know? So yeah, wish me luck at January 2025. I don't know when this is going to air, but before then. Okay. Okay. January 25. But yeah, Chicago Wrestling Center dot com, all the information's there. And then I look forward to seeing you all in the ring. What's the advice you have to someone who says, I want to be a pro wrestler run.
But I can't start for maybe another year because I don't have the money. What do you say to that person between now and next year? I mean, I think the one thing that comes, there's never a good time for anything. One of my favorite quotes is, man makes plans and God laughs. Who are we to know? What's going to happen in a year?
I know people are financially struggling. So, you know, if there's one aspect of you not financially being able to go to a rest school, I understand that. But like, I've also seen people like cut their cell phone bill and their Hulu. And they're going to say about they're going to this school one way or the other. They're going to wait a couple more tables. They're going to pick up every over. If you truly want something, like the school opens up a gen 25, like the kids that want to be there are going to be there.
The quote I love is you either find a way or you find an excuse. Yeah, yeah. And so, and I get you can feel sorry for yourself, but the world's not. This is going to continue. The school is still going to go. Yeah. I mean, like I can't wait for you, you know, but the advice I would give to people that are like planning on to going to a wrestling school is like, I don't want to say like workout, but like it's, it's, it's intense. Like you have to realize someone else's life is literally in your hands when you're picking them up and you're running and this and that.
So fatigue and weakness from a physical standpoint is very, very dangerous, both to you and your partner. So I would say, you know, that would be my biggest advice. And then be prepared for like the mental challenge. I don't want to say that I'm doing like old school training, but I do feel like there's a lot of schools and I'm going to make headlines with this probably. There's a lot of schools that will take your money. I won't. There's an application form you have to send out. You have to fill out a waiver and there's a big portion of it. It's called like, why do you want to train here?
If I don't feel what you're saying off of that app, I want to improve the application. I'm very, very blessed and fortunate to be.
very financially secure. This is literally me doing something because it's a passion project on the side. I've still got a million dreams in front of me that I'm chasing. I'm just not sleeping in the process. But on the side, this is something like, again, I feel like I was obligated to do. And my standards are here. And one way or the other, you're gonna meet me here. We don't accept this. I thought you'd come dressed in a suit today. I wasn't sure. Everyone does it, dude. See, look at me. Like, oh, I look cool, right? It's almost like you've got your own name there. It's not Muhammad Ali jacket. Oh, yeah.
You know, I'm at a crossroads, but like shout out to Cody. But like this, I'm so thankful for this independent run because I really wanted to do this politician ass character on WWE programming. And ultimately, I wasn't allowed to do it. But doing it on the independence, I found that like this, there's a range. Like some people really like it. Some people don't like it. And then there's some people that think that I'm pushing some sort of political narrative.
So not that I'm shying away from it, but I'm definitely evaluating it. I'm like, hey, does this work long term? Because again, if something, this is a super random side note, but this is how sensitive this character can be. In TNA, I had a feud going on with Mike Bailey.
Weeks and I'm talking about weeks before a real life of that happen. We came up with this idea or after I've been torturizing, you know, Mike Bailey for weeks and, you know, beating up his friends like that. I'm pulling up into the arena with an SUV and I have a campaign manager with me. His name is campaign sing. And I'm like, man, these idiot voters, they love me. Watch those watches that I put my window down. And he's like, sir, I don't think that's a good way. I'm like, shut up. They love me.
And we have all these fans going, yeah, yeah, and I'm shaking their hands, these idiots. And as I'm shaking their hands, I go back to saying I'm like, they love me. Up here is Mike Bailey within the crowd. And Mike Bailey, grounds me by the throat, he's trying to pull me out of the SUV and secret service jumps on him and I'm like, drive, drive, drive, we drive away. Later that night in a promo, I, you know, I say Mike Bailey tried to attack me and what the public has deemed an assassination attempt.
We tape this. The week that's going to go live, which is a Thursday, earlier that week, the incident happens with Trump. The assassination at them. So I'm sitting and I'm watching this. Oh no. How?
Some people had nothing to do with it, right? A genuine coincidence. So I had to text, you know, Tina Amy, like, guys, I don't, because some people are gonna think we're parroting it or being in front of it. And no matter how you feel about someone, like, death is death. Like, I personally don't, like, wish that upon anybody.
So I made the call like, Hey, I really think you should edit this clip. So we ended editing that part out, you know, but it just goes to show you the volatile sensitive nature of this character. So like that's why, you know, a little bit more. Oh, gee, Ali over here. But yeah, I just got to evaluate and see if it's something I want to continue doing long term because of, you know, an incident like that.
Well, it's divisive, right? Even if you're not saying I'm on this side or that side, people will read between the lines and go, I don't know. Maybe he's a little bit more red or more blue. And the idea about it was to kind of just show what every politician is. I promise you this, because I got you. I believe in you because I want you to do better. And then once I'm in office, you're like, hey, remember that thing?
These things take time. The idea was just to bring the nuances of politics into pro wrestling, because we had this conversation off air before, but politics is pro wrestling and pro wrestling is politics. They're all intertwined, right? What's the debate? All these politicians come out to awesome theme music, and they all have catchphrases, and cut promos on the other side, so it's a pro wrestling. I wanted to bring the nuance of that, this politician's secret service debates.
All that stuff is fun, and I had so many ideas on how to do it in a fun way. It was never meant to be controversial, but I do think sometimes the best pro wrestling is when we put up a mirror to reality. To me, this is what a politician is nowadays. A guy that will look at you sincerely say, hey, I got your back. If you believe in me, I believe in you, and there's this bond, and then when it's time to
you know, come get on their words, their back pedal, these things, these things are complicated. They take time and say, no, you lied to me. Oh, I didn't lie. You just didn't listen correctly. So yeah, I think there's something there, but it's, it's, it's very interesting about how real life events can affect that. Isn't it interesting the amount of respect you command when you wear a suit though? It is. Oh, yeah, yeah. Oh, this is like, you know, I'll, you know, I'll have this a hoodie. I want to get to the arena. Nothing, but I walk out. I got to sit up. People are like,
Damn, who's that? Yeah, it's a game changer. There's sometimes when I would be running late from an interview going right to the airport, I'd be wearing a suit, like a celebrity interview. You'd walk through the airport wearing a suit and everybody should... Is this the checker? Yeah, yeah. Is this? Because they're used to the lounge where the...
people in their pajamas are just waking up. Yeah, I mean, for the most part, I'm wearing the most comfortable clothes possible. I'm wearing the Viori Sunday performance joggers every time I fly. Shout out to Viori. They are the best. Oh my gosh. But every once in a while, when I'm rocking a suit, it's like, wait a second. Who is this person? Yes. I, I, you, um, I, perception's reality. So I, I see a commands power. And man, I was a big custom suit guy back in the day, but I put on a little bit of
The size of a muscle mass. Yeah. Yeah. These custom suits don't fit like they put on some muscle mass. It's a very heavy investment. I'm also a big custom suit guy. It's funny. You put on just like three pounds. You know, it doesn't. Yeah. It doesn't run button anymore. And now your custom suit just looks not so custom. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's like, I think, man, these things go like, so now I'm in the door. I cut back down or I get the new suit. So where do you feel most comfortable?
Man, like 2019, I was like 175 and I was just so agile in the ring. And I think like, I think Osprey talked about to what he put on from size. Like, yeah, even though I realized, man, like I'm like 195 now I put on like, you know, good 20 pounds over the course of two, three years.
And it's it gets difficult to do some of these like I don't I'm sure I could probably do the reverse 450 like everyone wants to bring that back one like jump backwards. One it was nerve wracking back then I can only imagine how much more difficult it would be for the margin for error is.
And the thing is, I understand, I'm very appreciative the mood because I feel like it made me stand out in 205 Live. And a lot of these live events, like, oh, we need a hot match, the hot, like, oh, Ollie's. So that was kind of like a cool thing. And I remember Pac saying there's a Neville at the time, he was like, the thing is you got to do that every night now.
So I'm doing this move and the margin of error was like, like you said, it's very, very slim. And then one day just for like research purposes, I guess, I just did the normal 450 facing board a lot easier, a lot safer. And it kind of got the same reaction. And I was like,
risking your life daily or like, I could do this with my eyes closed the road. So like, I just kind of, no one told me, I just made the decision on my own. I just started doing it forwards. And no one really called me out on it. And I guess eventually someone had asked me, I was like, man, it's just, it's just so risky. It's just such a risky move that I don't think it's worth the worth. It may be once in a while, I'll bust it up, but I haven't busted it out in years. But how do you find out you can even do a reverse 450 because
It's scary to be standing up. People don't realize when you're standing on the top rope, it's it's hot. Yeah. And the thing is, again, it's the whole like, you know, wrestling rings aren't as nice and padded as I think they are. The cause of concern with that move is the ropes actually. And more for me, I would feel terrible if I heard somebody, you know, because you have to realize I'm jumping backwards. So there's a good portion of this move where I have lost my opponent. And the next time I see my opponent is when I'm landing,
So either like, you know, that's why I'll check back once and I got to take that picture. And like, I hope he's still there. You know, again, like margin of error. That's it's a shin or a knee or an elbow across their throat, their face, their head, you know. So yeah, I just, as far as how I describe, I have no idea. I must have figured out how to do it. I was like 16 because you're 16. You're indestructible. That's funny. Hello. I'm pretty sure I just went up one day. I'm like, yeah, sure.
It's like diving boards and trampolines. I have a trampoline kid too. Yeah. My dad got me a trampoline and then I I bagged him to buy like these huge pieces of wood. I put them in each corner. I took the garden hose.
like an idiot and ask, I took the garden on that, put like nails in it. Hey, like you ruined the garden. I think I want to ring so bad. So yeah, that was my like my little backyard ring for a good portion. A heck of a year for you this year. Thank you. As we're closing out 2024, what's the highlight? Is one of them being on the cover of PWI? Yeah, yeah, definitely. So I think, I think goals and accomplishments mean
different things to different people, right? So in the industry, that's a hierarchal. But to me, it's kind of a full circle moment. I used to sketch a lot, right? And like, occasionally, I'll take a picture and share it on socials. So years ago, I had sketched some, it was me as a child reading the PWI magazine, you know, just as wrestling magazine. And I got into this kid with long hair and he's got his backwards skullcap. And there's like a little air bubble.
And it says, why doesn't anyone look like me? And that was me growing up. And this is meant to be like, oh, it's my story. It's my reality. I was born in America. I was born in Chicago. It was a lifelong WWF fan, you know? And the thing is, I was like, man, like, oh, buddy, he looks like nobody. I've got like, bro, heart's my guy. Shawn Michaels is my guy. Like, oh, I love Randy Savage, like, riding Piper. That's it.
But there was no one that was my guy. Like, oh, that guy looks like me. He talks like me. He's got a name like mine.
So I drew this sketch thing because I could remember reading all the magazines and then, oh, no one, you know, looks like me. So to come full circle, like the cover of PWI is a guy named Mustafa Ali. And like, man, that name's got a lot of weight to it. And again, I think it's something where one of my favorite quotes I read was, just because it doesn't happen to you doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. Like, that's like,
I'm kind of at a loss of words because it means a lot to me. It's like, I grew up where like my name defined good or bad. It defined me. And that sucks. You should define who you are as a person, your talents, what you bring to the table, your marketability, your hard work. That's what I want to know about Chris. I don't really don't care where you're from. I respect it. It's not should be a deciding factor. So to kind of like, in my ways, like, you know,
Jump over that barricade, you know, and have a magazine like P.W. I put you on the cover and, you know, yeah, man, it's a champion. It's a T&A actor. That's the best super junior heavyweight in the world right there. You know, like that's like, so again, it's like, you know, I go to these, you know, meet and greets and I mean, and the one thing post W.W. is I've gotten a lot more of this with fans, you know, they're more accessible to them. And I can tell you, man, one of the coolest things is seeing people like kids that look like me that have the magazine.
We always talk about you, bro, at the mosque. We always talk about like, okay. I was like, oh, it's like, bro, it chokes me up to be honest with you. It means something because I have a seven-year-old son named Rayon who's obsessed with wrestling. And like, he doesn't have to watch us in the way I watched it because he sees me. He sees Mansoor, you know, he sees some representation. Oh yeah, like, I, like, can I be it? My dad's it, you know?
So yeah, the PWI magazine was super cool, not just on a professional level, but like on a personal level. Professional, the thing that I'm most proud of is probably the story with Bailey at TNA. It was very like hand-picked and credit. And I think the world is beautiful. Mike Bailey. I'm sorry, I'm not very good at all. But we just say Bailey, people go, wait a second. Yeah, yeah. And then it's talking about like Bailey. Who's also awesome, by the way, that's my girl. Mike Bailey. But Mike Bailey is,
I'm so happy for him. I'm very, very happy for him. I find him to be incredibly talented. And when we were able to finally put this storyline together, he was just so, so me and Mike are different performance, right? Like in a good way, like it's just, that's why I think the match was so good. But him and I had this big blow off for a TNA Slam Reversary in Montreal.
And again, it's perspective, right? I'm talking about all this stuff. And Mike and I had to talk a little bit before the show. TNA did this documentary called Immersed. And I never knew this. Mike eventually told me, but I never knew this until I watched the documentary. Mike talked about how hard it is to be a Canadian professional wrestler. Oh, yeah.
Although I've known plenty of Canadian professionals, I didn't realize the incredible amount of obstacles that you Canadians have to deal with to come work in America. And you know, Mike was really, he really opened up to me about like the trials and tribulations he had.
And he just got me something like, man, we're gonna kill it. And he told me, he's like, the people that trained me and that I'm trained now are gonna be in the crowd tonight, his friends and his family. I just felt like, man, I just want this perfect present to give him. I wanted it so bad. And this isn't meant to be controversial at all, but the original match that was presented to us was completely different. It was ABC and I was like, no.
It's got to be XYZ and I was adamant about it. I had to go like meet with the higher ups and like, guys, I know you want it this way. Respectfully, I think you're wrong. It should be this. And the reason why I'm so proud of that match. And I know some people have their, you know, Earl Hevner ended up returning that night and he did like the reverse Montreal screw job. He's able to redeem himself. And this is what, this is why it's so loaded to me. And I'm sorry that I'm kind of rambling, but like this match meant a lot to me.
because the finish happened. It was the first time in my career that I felt before shaking. Like it was shaking. So I go, I don't care what anyone says. I know I was right. Cause this building is, I've never experienced that. The only time I've ever experienced an arena, you know, of Seidel Arena shaking is when, uh, when John Cena made his like return.
I felt the building shake. Which one? I don't know what he was doing. It was like, do you remember the episode of Raw where he was walking backstage and shaking everyone's hands? Yeah, yeah. And then he was talking to Stu off camera. And then they had us all loaded on the entranceway. So if you go back and watch that clip.
John comes out. The whole roster is on the entrance ramp. He comes out. The building is shaking. I've never experienced this in my life. I'm like, I'm literally. So, you know, in like John standing at the top of the ramp, he actually looks off to the right. I'm that guy right off camera. I'm looking at it. I just go. And he literally goes, he goes pretty fucking cool, huh?
Oh yeah, John Cena, this is pretty fucking, and I was like, bro, that's when you realize there's levels to this, right? The building, Chris, I can't expect the floor shaking. It's also pretty amazing that John Cena, almost like a maestro, is able to go.
Watch this. Yeah, yeah, yeah. He's such a pro, man. Shout out to him. So that happens with Bailey, and I'm so happy with that, the floor. And then to get Earl Haven here to come up, and he's super emotional about it, because he's talking to me about time, which is something that I value so much. And he's a kid you don't know about how much time you have. The whole thing that happened in Montreal was weighing on me forever.
And he's like, I don't think, you know, I'm going to be around longer. And the fact that I got to come back and redeem myself and like Montreal's cheering me and he was so happy. And the hug he gave wasn't like that brother like good job. It was like, I know it meant something to him. And I know that night meant something to Bailey and it meant a lot to me. So again, like on a professional level, I think that was like,
a work of art, and I'm so happy with that, and I'm so happy to work with the people I did. But those two moments, I'd say, yeah, really define me. I cover PWI, and then the Mike Bailey slammer version matches. If you're not familiar with me, I'd go watch that.
Prize picks is America's number one daily fantasy sports app with over 5 million active users. It's the easiest and most exciting way to play daily fantasy sports because unlike other apps, on prize picks, it's just you against the numbers. All you do is pick more or less on two to six player stat projections and watch the winnings roll in.
You can also now win up to 100 times your money on prize picks with as little as four correct picks. Download the prize picks app today and use the code INSIGHT and get $50 instantly when you play $5. That's code INSIGHT on prize picks to get $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive that $50 bonus. It's guaranteed. Prize picks. Run your game.
When you were in WWE, they called you Mustafa Ali. When you say your name, it's very different. I say it the right way. I'll take the right way. I'll take the blame on that. So when I started with WWE, everyone's super nice, right? And you go and introduce yourself.
And I'm just that guy where it's like, I'm the new guy here. I don't want to rock the boat. I'm in WWE. Like, how did I see? You know, like it's very like, you know, you're taking the back. So when you're introducing yourself, like, hey, I'm, I'm, I'm Mustafa.
Yeah, sure. You just go with it. And again, it's on me. I just didn't have the balls and decided to correct anybody about it. You even cut promos where you said your name like that. Yeah. So eventually I was like, Oh man, they're all just saying it that way. I should just say it too, because I think it's just easier for the audience to say it. Like I just, I kind of like, and I'm not proud about it. I just kind of like,
Hey, I can say it's not a big deal. But like, yo, it's your name. Of course it's a big deal. But at the time, again, the super unsure of myself didn't have the confidence or really the stock, honestly, to say much. So I was saying my name incorrectly for a long time.
Yeah, like your debut on SmackDown with Daniel Bryan. Yeah, I say moose stuff. Yeah. Yeah. And again, just, I guess, in a way, again, not proud of it, but trying to make myself a little bit more marketable, not, you know, like who we've seen the clips. Like, that guy's name's too hard. I'm just going to call him Mo. Like, I didn't want that.
And my biggest fear, which came to light, my biggest fear was like, if I correct them at my names too hard to pronounce, they're just going to call me Ali, which sure enough, when I brought up that, Hey, you know, I brought up one by the way, this is the correct pronunciation. So road dog explained to me what actually happened was, you know, when you do live events, these producers, they write reports. And this is during like a babyface run, I think I was working with Shinsuke Nakamura or something like that.
And one crowd, one portion of the crowd's chanting, Mu Safa and the other crowd's chanting Ali. And it was like a weird chant and then it just dies out. It happened a few nights. So that got written in the report.
So whoever makes decisions, I'm assuming, was Vince at the time. Just call him Ali then. Just one name. And that's how you lost your first name. That's how I lost my name. How'd you find out you were losing your first name? I think Road Dog called me. And he's like, hey, I just wanted to double check. Like, Mustafa isn't like, it's not like a family. Like, is it something? Does it mean something to you?
I go, well, the name means like the chosen one. It means like from the people, like we've, we've, this is the guy that's going to represent. I'm like, so it means something to me. Sure. But like, no, I don't want to lie to you and say, you know, okay, cool, man, we're going to spy. We're just going to call you Ali now. This is what happened. This is the feedback we got. We just, we just, we think it's good. I don't think there's any ill intentions. The intention, they want you to win. They want you to make money. You know, we just think it's easier. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. And I go, Oh, do I have a saying is he goes, well, no, not really.
So I understood the intentions. And again, you had to realize growing up as a Muslim America was always very insecure about like my perception. So in one token, I'm just kind of like, whatever is easy for you guys. Now I'm the complete opposite. Like, hey, you could say my name or just don't say it at all. It's up to you. I'll help you. I'm not being trying to watch my language here. I'm not saying whatever you want. But what I hate when people present like, you need to like, bro, like we can talk to each other like humans. Hey, by the way, bro, my name is Mustafa. It's M-U-S.
Give it a shot. If you don't get it, I'm not mad at it, but I owe it to myself to have my name say correctly. It worked out well though, because when you were a heel, it became a thing where you were like, you can say my name wrong. And it's so weird, because as much as people want to dunk on retribution, I have so many, most of the promo stuff that people talk about is from retribution. So I was on Raw Talk, and I think Charlie and our truth were the hosts of it.
And she had said my name, like, everyone said it. And I was like, say my name again. Just say it. Like say it. She said it. And I corrected them. And the way I put so much like enunciation in it in such a heel dickish way. But to this day, like I have people of different backgrounds that come up to me and they go, yo, when you told her to say your name, bro, I felt that like, and they, they,
That wasn't my intention. My intention wasn't to make some sort of like, you know, state million. I was trying to be like a dickhead heel. But I also was like, man, I'm sick of people saying my name incorrectly. I'm just going to correct them, you know? But that translated to a whole different audience that deals with that. And this guy is like, you know, my name is this, but when I go to work, they gave me a abbreviate. They could make me, I have to call myself Mo, because my name Muhammad is too much like it's, he's like, but I felt that I went back to work. I said, no, my name is Muhammad. I want a name tag that says Muhammad.
So you don't know when you say something or do what it's going to inspire. So it's just, yeah, some random clip from Raw Talk and just looking up at someone and saying, no, say my name correctly. And it was that awkward silence that she said it. And I made our truth say it. I go, yeah.
When you say my name, say it with some respect, my name is Mustafa Ali. And I was like, whoa, that was the line. I mean, it works. And now people know. People know, yeah. I'm waiting, I want to walk out to like, moo stuff. Damn it, Chris. I think it's kind of, I don't know. It's because people know the name Mufasa. Is that why? I think so, maybe. I never understood it because it's like, there's not like, moo stuff. I don't know. Isn't like M-O-O? I was like, there's not O's in there, Mustafa.
I'm sure there's gonna be some name, some dialect that I don't know, and I'll have the same trouble, so it's all good. When you look ahead to 2025, with everything you've already accomplished this year, what do you wanna do? What's the goal in 2025? Back to that quote that I said, a man makes plans and God laughs, like, who knows, like, who knows if I make it home tonight? That was really great.
But I got like, oh, I got the phone call, right? Hey, we're letting you out of your contract. I was doing cardio downstairs and, you know, I walk upstairs and I look at my wife and my head just got like, oh, and instantly like I go into this plane. Don't worry. I'll figure it out, you know, I'll make some calls, this and that. And we're having this thing. And I'm just thinking like, whoa, it's me. And I got to like, you know, I got to figure this out. And I shit you not Chris, like five minutes goes by her phone rings and she picks it up.
And people don't know this, like months before all this habit, my wife was having like really bad neck pain. And we, you know, we'd switch out the pillows and I'd tell her to go get a massage and it would just get worse and worse and worse. Like the point was like debilitating pain. I was like, what's going on? Let's take her to the doctors. So her doctor calls and yeah, you have a broken neck and you need surgery. Wow. The day I got let go, like 10 minutes later, five minutes later, we find out that she's got my attention and all of my energy, my focus goes.
So I understand like the, well, what's now? I'm so appreciative every day and health and the people that I'm with. When stuff like this happens, you really find out like every minute and everything, everything that we think that matters really doesn't matter. Like the silly thing that we do where we put spandex on and baby oil, it's cool. It does none of that management that my wife heard next broken.
And I'm so blessed. I'm so lucky to have this incredible group of friends back home. A lot of them are doctors and I would just be able to call, call, call. We got her in for next three. My wife's healthy. She's good. Everything's awesome.
But I'm dealing with that, this broken neck, the surgery, the recovery, while I'm getting ready for this, you know, world tour them putting together. So to say that I had a lot on my plate would be an understatement, but I'm saying if I over, I don't want to say over came, if I was able to handle that and deliver on that and everyone's good and everything's like 20, 25 is gonna be awesome, you know? So it's for me to plan.
I don't know, you know? I'm definitely branching out with the school. I recently joined Great Talent Group out of Chicago. It's a film and casting agency. Should've taken a meeting while you were here at all. Yeah, you know what? I mean, I don't know. Maybe I'm doing some business after this. But yeah, I just, I think just branch out and see what's there. I feel most of my life. I wasted a lot of time because I was scared about like failing. I don't want to do it.
If I fail, who cares? It'll make the news cycle, and then the next thing comes up. You know what I mean? I think we're so scared of failure when everyone's opinion's gonna be on that, because now everything lives on social media forever. But I know you're a big quote guy. I saw something else, and I go, love quotes. It's out of context and this one kind of, but it's like no one really cares if you don't go to the party.
I think when it puts up, I'm going to fail. What if I do this and it fails? Everyone makes fun of you for a day. People need to realize that failure is not final. Just because you tried something and it didn't work doesn't mean that that's the end. You tried something and it didn't work, then you just find another way to figure it out.
At the end of the day, if you're able to eat something and you have a roof over your head and you have people that love you, like you're already kind of winning considering 90% of the world is going through some sort of calamity right now. There's so much violence and loss and sadness and
Prussian, all that stuff's going on. The fact that you and I are blessed and I truly mean blessed to even have the opportunity to chase something. Yeah, that's a win, man. Yeah. So who cares if you didn't make it to the top? I think people are like, oh, I'm afraid of this. I'm like, we're lucky already. The fact that you and I consider like, man, I really like to do a movie. So that's it. There's someone in the world is like, how am I going to feed my child tonight?
Yeah. How do we even? I'm grateful every day that we just even have opportunities. And with what you're saying, I think back to that, I think it was a commencement speech that Jim Carrey gave. We was talking about how his dad did something that he didn't like for a living. And it dawned on him that like,
If you can fail doing something you don't like. Yeah. Why not fail doing something that you love? A hundred percent, man. It's like, and it's not the cliché, like, you know, life's surely like truly like life is meant to have to listen to what a boring story if you just like, all right, I'm going to do this and you just, you just make it.
Isn't the cool story about the twists and turns like, you know, hey, do you want to hear about this? Muslim kid from Chicago that was a cop and then was working the midnight ship, but then he made it all the way to WWE. He performed at WrestleMania. He performed as a virus series. He had some tough times of eventually got let go, but then he pulled he like, he was able to, you know, pull the plane up from a nose that I've been, you know, save his career. And then he went on to do this, this, like,
That's the, like, that's a story, right? But if I go, yeah, I just tried this pro wrestling thing and became world champion, like two years into it, like kind of, I don't know, kind of boring, right? And so it's like all these twists and turns like, yeah, man, uh, fail with the smile. I mean, like, uh, live, like, like, I think, I think I think I understand the fear, like, accept the fear and then just do it anyway. Yeah. Did your release from WWE comes a surprise?
Not surprised that it happened, surprised when it did happen. Yeah, I think I was an NXT at the time, and I actually had a pay-per-view match scheduled that weekend with Dominic Mysterio for the North American Championship. And rumor says you were supposed to win that match.
I don't believe anything until it happens, as you said previously, but yeah, I don't mind share. I think that was a plan. But mind you, the plan was actually to put the North American champ Jumami months prior. But WWE is so smart with advertising and contract negotiations. So NXT's network deal was coming up. And Sean is awesome. Sean Michaels down in NXT is awesome.
He explains to me, he's like, hey, we're going to put the North American Championship on you. What happens is the network deal is coming up. And this is when Judgment Day specifically Dom is just white. I mean, this is so white hot right now, but like Dom was like next level right there. So they were like, hey, everyone in Judgment Day has a championship. We want to put a championship on Dom and we want to spike the ratings for NXT. Because the idea is if you spike the ratings when the contract then goes short, it helps you. So this is when Seth was coming and Becky was coming.
So I get a call like, it's from Shawn, he's like, hey, we're actually putting the championship on Dom. And here's the reason. And I go, yeah, that makes total like awesome. Do it. I didn't expect it coming. Dom's going to come and challenge Wesley and beat him like great. So we do that. Then we do like a three way match, which was super fun with Dom, me and Wesley. And then he's like, hey, Dom's needed back on the main roster. Poor guy was working like six days a week.
Yeah, so that I think that was a plan. Was it a surprise? No, because I saw WWE stock and WWE in general going this way and my stock just going this way. I don't you feel like that could change in an instant? I mean, yeah, so this is like the controversial take. I think there's so many talented people in wrestling, not just in WWE and AEW and TNA on the end of it. There's so many at the end of the day, it just comes down to production. And I know someone's going like that.
Of course, when I step up to bat, I have to hit the ball. But you have to be called up to bat. There's a lot of hitters, but most of them got to sit. And at the end of the day, there's some people in a room that know way more than I do as far as TV rights, advertisements, merchandising that make decisions. And when they make a decision that
This can is gonna, this can's gonna get pyro, this can's gonna get the best music and we're gonna make sure that you make that can look like it's worth a million bucks because it's gonna make you a million bucks, right? So at the end of the day, it's just production. So yeah, you're right at the end of the day, but I didn't feel like that was in the cards at that time.
So when they got the call, it's weird because it was kind of a sense of relief in a way, because I had wanted out prior to that. And when I got like, I asked the typical question, like, oh, OK, is this immediate? Like, yes, we no longer need it. This is your 90 days. And like I said, it was a moment of like, I'm sad that it didn't work out, but I'm not mad at myself.
uh, it's unfortunate, but in this industry, people get let go all the time. And I had talked to friends of mine that got released prior to me, you know, a year ago, something like that. And their number one regret that they call me is like, man, I just wish that I fought a little harder. I wish I didn't sit and like wait to be called on or have an attitude like, Oh, I'm on the show. I'm leaving early. I wish I follow harder.
And I can very confidently sit here and say, man, I don't have to. I fought. I pitched. I presented. I produced a super duper team player. Give me anyone, everyone. I would request to be on Main Event. I'm not on Raw. I'm not. Can I be on me? Because a lot of people don't want to do it. I'll do it. Can I have the two seg match? And I would do promos for me and Ricochet had a feud on Main Event.
that got like the huge numbers for them. Like I saw the analytics. I'm the nerd that like as asking for like analytics and stuff like that. But yeah, I walked away knowing like, man, I gave it more than an honest try. Like I really tried it and didn't work out. It's just how the cookie crumbled, man. So I'm forever grateful for my time at WWE at the end of the day, looking like I have a platform because of them. People know me because of my time at WWE. So that's forever. I have a house. This is a little sappy.
And I don't mind sharing it because I think it's like, it's a good thing. I think a lot of people see the cutthroat business and like, yeah, it's a cutthroat. They let you go. At the end of the day, when you get hired by a WU, this is back in 2005. They offered us developmental contracts and exceed development. And one of the contingencies in this contract says you have to move, you have to relocate to Orlando. We just bought a house. My wife is pregnant with our second child.
Do I really want to drag her to Orlando? We don't know anybody. Our whole family's there. I was like, hey, you know what? You stay back here. I'm going to get these smallest, cheapest apartment. And I'm just going to send money home. I'm like, it'll be fine. And for some reason, in my high go, just give me six months. I can somehow figure out six months how to get
how to come back. And if I can't, then like, we'll figure it out. If you want me to quit, I'll quit, but just give me six months. It's like, okay, like, yeah, I'm pregnant, but okay, yeah. So I left my wife. She stayed back at our house, but, you know, a bunch of families with her. And this is like a testament to like, I understand business is business and decision made, but I'll always hold Hunter in really high regards.
because like four, five, five months into my deal, I very like sheepishly go up to him. I go, hey, Paul, like my son is due in a few weeks. My wife's going to give birth. And like, if it's okay with you, you know, would I be able to go home for the week? Like I know I got to report. The birth of your son? Yeah, I can. Dude, you got to realize I just started with the company. I'm very like sheepishly moving around. Like, how does it work? Because you have to be in Orlando and you have to report to the PC and these go. So I'm like, hey, is it okay with you if I could like,
stay at home for a week or two. And I fly from school, like, I don't know how that works. And he like, does that. And like we walk over the corner, he's like, um, just move back home to Chicago. I was like, well, what? He goes, don't tell anybody and just, just, I'll talk to travel. Just move. He goes, there's no, there's nothing greater in your life than being a dad. Go, go do that. He's like, move back to Chicago. Don't say anything. I was like, dude, when I had this thing in my head, Hey, babe, give me six months. This is a month five.
Brother, I flew back home, I flew back to Orlando where my apartment was grabbed all my stuff, just threw it in my car, sub leased my thing, and I just drove straight from Orlando, Chicago, and like two days later, my son was born. So it just all worked, and I got to, and the big thing is like my entire majority of my two, if I like, I got to go home. A lot of these guys were like still, you know, they really located everyone down in Orlando. So at the end of the day, like he didn't have to do that. Like I'm sure they were like, yeah, go home for a few weeks, but then come back, I got to go.
You know, I was there as much as we're on the road. So like forever indebted to him for that kind gesture, you know? So like when people bring up the cutthroat business and like, yeah, but like there are these personal connections behind the business, right? So like I look at him as like, he understands his father himself. So yeah, he understands what it meant to be.
So something he didn't have to do and he did it. So if you've got a pretty good relationship with Triple H, who's now in charge, Vince was in charge when you got like, oh, there might be a path that leads you back to WWE. I think there's multiple paths. Yeah. And the thing is, there's good relations there. And the thing with them moving to Netflix is very, very interesting because it just opens up. I don't know how much the show is going to change as far as dynamic, as far as rating, as far as what they're okay with.
Oh, I think it changes a lot. Yeah, right. It's just like because like when I saw like what my personal take is they're gonna have more of like music and celebrity appearances.
like so Travis Scott's on it, right? I think the debut is here in LA. Yeah. At the Intuit Dome. Anybody who's anybody is going to be there. Yeah. I think they're going to cheat like like you have seen a sense. I'm not a big like MMA UFC guy. I don't fall. I watched Coco Mellon at home. Ladies and gentlemen, I have three kids. Hey, we watched Miss Rachel. Yeah. See, you know, right? But yeah, I think
Man, business is so good for them. I do think there's a pathway back there, right? There's good relations. There's good contact there. Even the release is very like nice, you know, a lot of nice messages were sent.
Um, and I think at the end of the day, it's on me, right? Like if I build something that's profitable and something that they see like, oh, this plugs in with wrestling is right place, right time. Everything is right place right there. It's gotta be right for them. It's gotta be right for me. It's gotta be at the right time. It's gotta be at the right time. That's how this happens. But when one person's here, like, if I want to go do this and
It doesn't fit. It doesn't fit. And if they're going to direction where there's no spot for me, it's got to be right place, right time. So here's to right place, right time. You've had a lot of opportunities where I feel like you were right there. You were really close to making things happen. What's the story behind elimination chamber? Just a series of unfortunate events.
That it's really, really cool because from that came a really tight relationship and friendship with Kofi, Kofi Kingston for those. I should say first name. Oh, the other Kofi? The other Kofi. We're in a talent meeting one time where they had someone come in for something and the guy didn't know the product very well and he kept looking at Kofi and calling him coffee. And it was, because Kofi's such a nice guy, and he would not speak of name. He's like, right, Kofi? And everyone's like,
And Kobe's like, yeah, man, yeah, man. Yeah, elimination chamber was like, man, it all happened so fast. Come up to SmackDown, pin, wrestle Daniel Bryan, losing that effort. But I think the next week, I like pin him. And I got like A.J. Styles, I'm like, what is going on? You know, get the word. Finally, like, hey, we're moving you over to SmackDown, like full time, like you're down with 205. If we're going to get you a main roster contract, all this stuff. So it's all happening a million miles per hour.
Um, I want to say the week before I got the heads up about like, Hey, um, you're in the elimination chamber. Um, could you wrestle like 16 minutes on Smackdown? I was like, what? Like, like, yeah, we're going to do like a gauntlet style thing for play. And I go, yeah, I could wrestle 60 minutes. I'm like, man, I'm doing all this car. Um, that week, uh, I have a match with Randy and just,
Kind of a slip of the boot. So Randy does like the Garvin stomp where like he goes around and he stomps each body part. And one of the things I think the compliment just went to my head like, man, Ali sells so good. Like you hit something like it looks like he just sells so well. So I want to say Randy had either stomp me like in the stomach, something that basically made me sit up to sell.
And like, I've watched Randy work for years and usually like it's like stomp and he takes his time and stomp and then he takes his time. But for some, whatever reason, I guess he was feeling like to stomp me again in the stomach. So he went for like two stomps. But when he stomped me the first time I sat up and the second stop was coming and just caught me right in the eye and I could feel like the bones, I felt like my face moved, right? And it was like, oh man. And in a second, I'm like, oh, I'm fine. I knew where I was. I was fine.
But Randy keeps it like, you're, you're ice. Well, and I'm really bad. Are you okay? Like, yeah, I'm fine. I'm fine. I promise you, I'm fine. It's just a black guy. We finished the match. We get back. Everyone's all, are you okay? I go, yeah, I'm fine. It's just a black ice. Um, later that night, the finish is smacked. That was a big melee to set up the elimination chamber match. Right? Like, you know, Eric Rowan's with Daniel Bryan at the time. So the spot had called for, uh, Eric Rowan to do like the claw choke slam on the announced table.
And I take it and I remember landing on the table and I go, oh no. And the whole room is just spinning, like violently. I feel like I'm spinning on the table and I go, I know I'm laying here. I go, I'm messed up. So I'm like, you've probably just got your rock, you know, just give it a second. I get back, I'm all good, I'm all good. That week and I have live events. I'm sorry, this is when I get the call about, hey, can you go like 60 minutes?
Yeah, yeah, I can do it. And I'm driving to these live events. And I was like, man, something's not right. And I wrestled the first night. And I was like, man, I'm going to throw up. I'm not myself. I'm stumbling on myself. But I'm composed enough that I'm OK. The second night, I'm in a tag team match. And I want to say my tag team part was actually Ty Dillinger versus like Samoa Joe and Sheldon Benjamin.
And just things happen in the ring, right? Like I was looking this way, but Shelton wanted me to go this way. And he kind of grabs me to give me this turnbuckle move that I do where I get thrown in the turnbuckle. It looks like I knocked myself out. Except this time, I like really knock myself out. Right. Cause I think I'm going here, but I get pulled this way, get rocked again. And now I'm like, I can't stand, you know? Uh, Samoa Joe picks me up for the muscle buster. I'm able to slip out and get the quick.
pin and I'm out of there. And yeah, this part sucks, man. I'm sitting in the back, Indian style on the floor. And a referee walks by, he goes, Hey, you good? I go, yep. And he knows, goes and gets the doc. Doc comes, Hey, Ali, why don't you come with me? And I know with it. I go, no, no, I'm good. They go stand up. I go, no, I'm good. And eventually I get bullied into the medical room. And like, man, I'm grabbing everything I can. Yeah, yeah, just my back. And I was like, Oh, yeah. Okay. Do you know where we're at?
Yeah. What time are we in? Like we're here. I'm looking at the wall trying to see like, you know, I don't know anything, right? And I'm gripping the table and like, man, this is the part sucks because they're like, they wanted me basically to put my hands in front of me. I'm sitting on the, you know, like little medical table. Yeah. I'm holding it. They go, put your hands up. Like, you know, so I do this. And man, I just eat it. And they go, yo, you're.
This is like a massive, like you're, you're not well. So docs, they all put me up and they, it's a whole protocol thing where the doc has to stay across you from the hotel room. Oh, wow. They transport me back home. This is the whole concussion protocol. Yeah. Like, I think mine was pretty extent. Like I couldn't like stand, like I'm doing this. Like it was really bad vertigo.
So like we have to get you home, you know? So WWE Rangers for transportation. And yeah, that's what sucks. I'm like, okay, so like what's the process? Like can I make elimination? They go, dude, you're out for months probably.
No, you know, and then, you know, they asked me to film something at home. I send it in, basically announcing like, I won't be in the elimination chamber. I'm like, heartbroken about, but I'm going to come back better. And then this beautiful gift of Kofi Mina happens and Kofi just, what a guy. And lightning in a bottle, the entire WWE Universe is behind him. He has this magical gauntlet performance.
He has this amazing performance at Elimination Chamber, and like those combined is what fueled Koofimania all the way to WrestleMania. No, no way am I comparing, but as a competitor, of course, there's some jealousy, right? I'm watching him. Could you imagine what a healthy Ali could do in the Elimination Chamber?
But then I go and look at it, I'm like, and I'm so mad at myself. I'm like, if only I didn't take that bump at the live event, if I only had it. And I'm saying they're kind of like, I would have been fine and my wife's like, so you thought it would be a good idea to go on the elimination chamber can cost.
Knowing you, I would have tried to scale something and like, you know, like you don't. At the end of the day, I'm healthy, happy, everything works. I'm good. You know, I'm not my brain isn't mush. WWE did the right thing. They protected me for a day. You got to protect these athletes from themselves because we have that thing we get hit. We get up the instincts. I'm good. But you look at what happened with coffee and coffee mania and go, that could have been me.
I don't think so because Kofi Mania is different because I think that was a guy with a decade long career where the fans willed it into existence. I honestly don't think that's what the original plan is called for. I mean, the original plan is called for me to be in the chamber. I'm guessing here. My guess would have been it would have been Brian versus KO at Mania. That's what I think because me and Brian and Kevin Owens had like a fast lane triple threat match in between that when I like returned, you know?
So that's what I think the plan was. I think, I think Kofi, the reason it happened is because the WWE fan base was like, this guy has been here for so long, has always delivered. And it was like, I think I get, I think it was lightning. It wasn't produced. It wasn't written. Yeah, I mean, like you can't. So for me to even sit here and have the golfs and like, yeah, and that was Kofi manious special. And like what it meant, you know?
Um, all those videos, uh, you've seen the videos with Chad and MVP, uh, when Kofi wins in there, like having a drink in the car. There's, there's this thing on a cultural level too that I met. And I, at the end of the day, Kofi mania is like,
Man, there's no top in that. And just on a broader scale, it's great when good things happen to good people. Good things happen to good people. Man, I can't tell you, they're not texts that he would send me and checking in on me. He knew he was like, man, this sucks for you. I'm so sad for you because he felt like I deserved it. I was like, bro, you've been here forever and you absolutely deserve this. But yes, good things happen to good people. And I'm just glad that I get to look on that fondly rather than
It would have been different if the guy that replaced me was a complete POS and like, didn't deserve it. I'm like, oh man. It's someone, I have no problem saying someone I think more deserving took that spot. When you talk about working with Randy Orton, not a lot of people get to counter the RKO.
Brother, I got a story for you. I got stories, guys. All fun stories. Let me take a little one. F3, by the way. Let me get some crack in my open. Here we go. Oh, that's delicious. So Randy, obviously.
The goat, right? And taught me a lot. I'm forever indebted for our conversation. Rainy's a late-night texture, by the way. He'll text you back at 3 o'clock in the morning, because he's up on his boss just like, geez. Yeah, I mean, because when we get done with the raw and stuff, you're just wired and you're up. And he's got someone taking care of him, so he's playing video games or whatever. So he'll get back to it 3M. But so much knowledge and just the short amount of time that I got to share with him in the ring.
We're working a hell in a cell pay-per-view match at the event, not the match itself. We're at the pay-per-view. They're only calling out PLEs. I'm sorry. I'm trying to say hip to the lingo here. It's a cold match. There's no current storyline, but we just rely back. Earlier this year, you can cost me and I missed. So that was the story.
And Randy and I are talking about this match, and I was like, hey, I know how to counter the arcade. And again, you're just trying to be respectful. He's like, what do you mean? Like, what's the counter? And I was like, oh, I would do this. And he's, I can see him thinking. And he's like, I'm, I'm more concerned for you, like he's talking to me, because if you box that handstand, you're just going to look like you box the move.
And they're going to boo you because they love the RKO. So he's like, you have to, you have to hit this. And I almost feel like the extra pressure of him saying that made it worse. Cause I'm like, yeah, I can do that all day. But I go, he's like, no, you don't understand. Like if you mess that up, you're going to look really bad to the office, to the fans. And I'm like, this guy can't even take an arc. It's like, you're taking away something like, but he's like, if you nail it, like, you think you can do that? Absolutely. Absolutely. I can do this 100%.
So we get to the match. I know Randy Orton's jocked right now, right? Like, you know, but still back then he was still jocked, right? So when Randy jumps, like you got to realize like I'm like 175, 180 of the time. So when Randy jumps up and he grabs me, I was like, man, this is a massive dude. And I had all these calculations. And I'm like, wait, he's about to land on the map.
When he lands on the mat, he takes a bump. The ring moves a little bit more different than a 205 light, right? I was like, oh, I have to handstand while this 280-pound guy is bumping at the same time. And if my elbows like, you know, go in, I'm going to mess up the move. Like he said, I was going to, and this is all playing in my head. I was like, dude, like,
I'm gonna mess this up. And like last second, I was like, you can't mess it up. And like with everything I got, I just grabbed the mat, counted the RKO, I roll them up. You see this audible gas, you know, because we haven't seen it before. Yeah, and it's still to this day, like another like really cool moment. Like again, I just thought I was like, oh, it's a cool movie counter. Like people bring that up all the time. We do the finish, we get back.
And everyone's like high-fiving and Randy puts it on and it's like, man, we should just put the kid over with that and then just walks away. I was like, ah!
Yeah, we show them right. No, we're going to do it again. But yeah, super cool to share the way. And I thought it was really cool of him to allow me because it's his finish and he could use it. I don't know. Yeah. Yeah. But he was so gracious of it. And like he told me some like really like deep stuff before. Like he felt really bad about the concussion. Like he obviously was apologizing at the time, but like it's almost like a year or two after it. Like him and I were just talking. He's like, Hey, man, like I never meant to tell you, but like,
I really messed up things for you, man. You were here. I go, Randy, stuff happened, bro. I know it wasn't intentions. He goes, no, I just want to let you know. It bugs me that I took that away from you. I was like, you didn't take anything away. It just happened, man. Look at all the stuff he's been through, surgery-wise, and his back. You've given enough to. But for him to say, I think it shows that you know everyone talks about how much Randy's grown over the last few years. I think that's a testament to it, too.
You were so close in that Money in the Bank match. Brother, I got stories. So yeah, I showed up to Money in the Bank and they're like, hey, you're winning it. I go, OK, cool. So this is so funny because they, you know, because I'm one of the shorter guys in the match. So they actually had me climb up the ladder so they could adjust the briefcase. So it's within grabbing distance.
And all day we're putting this match to everyone's like, man, congrats. I'm like, yeah, man, this is awesome. You know, I was like, oh, maybe I can get this briefcase to light up, you know, because I was wearing the light stuff at the time. Like I'm thinking it's just one of those cloud nine moments like, man, I can't believe this is happening. Cause it's not happening. So, um, the match is about to start entrances have started. And I want to say Baron Corbin's making his entrance. I don't know why his, I just have his music in my head.
And I have a very funny visual for you. So I'm wearing this light up mask, right? And I'm wearing this jacket that lights up and I have like a glove and they all kind of like pulsate with like, you know, lights, obviously. And Jamie know what comes up. Hey, a boss man wants to talk to you. Go talk to boss. I was like, okay, while the entrances are happening, and Vince has his little like, you know, his little cheaters on and he's looking up. And I come over that my new girl is completely dark.
So I just have these red lights that are flashing on Vince's face and he's all shadowy. So you can see the picture that I see, right? Looking up and he goes change of plans. Do the match. Everything you called when the time's right. I want you to climb up the ladder and grab the briefcase. Someone's going to come out. I want you to hold the briefcase and just have shocking.
He's going to run down, tip the ladder over, and you stay down. Do you understand? And again, my lies are just flashing on his face. So I see what he's saying, but if there's a moment where he goes black and then it's red, black and it's red. I'm like, copy that, sir. I just walk away. I'm like, it's Brock. Who else could it be? Yeah. I'm like, I'm walking, I'm walking. I'm like, whatever my music hitting. So he literally told me,
Like right. None of the guys in the match. No, no, Finn didn't know. Randy didn't know. Baron Corbin's the match. Drew McIntyre undried it. No, no one knew. I'm the only guy that knows. And I'm walking down. And it's not like I'm like, Hey guys, but like I'm just focused on the match at this point. Match happens. Climbing up the thing. And man, it's just like, I know everyone's like, well, why didn't you just grab the briefcase?
I want to be like, because my boss told me, I think they think in kayfabe, right? Yeah, yeah. So what I, and here's the thing, that's my immediate response to him. I go, well, brother, my music's playing. Like he's got a vision. There's no point in arguing this time. So what you didn't see is I climb up the ladder. I got my fingertips on the briefcase, rocks, music hits. I do the shock thing like I'm asked.
And I'm like, they're going to cut to Brock, but at some point they'll come back to me. They didn't. But what I did is I did the slip thing where I tried to get it, which you don't see on camera, the briefcase slips out of my hands. So when Brock gets in the ring, you see me trying to, it just slipped up. I'm trying to regain possession of it so that I'm not just holding it for the whole time. Like that was my like, I'll cover it up this way. And then I would just tell events like, Oh, it slipped out of my hand, you know?
So i climb up i grab it rocks music hits they cut to him i do the slip you don't see it but when i'm looking down this is brock like hits uh a ladder out the way and it just completely annihilates uh cameraman named rico just hits him in the head he goes down he needs like stitches and i'm watching this i'm like he's going to murder me
And I hope I'm not like destroying like the mystique of Brock here, but like what a pro gets in the ring grabs that looks up to me. He's like, Hey, kid, you're ready? And I'm. Yeah. Okay. Nice and easy. One, two, and just the most. And the thing is he was so nice about the push that I was expecting this violence thing that I like hurled myself out the ladder. And I end up hitting the top rope with my mouth, cutting my mouth completely my fault.
And like hurting myself and I go down like he just pros pro man. And I'm saying that, but you can see like if you cut to, if you wash it back, if you cut to the clip of the guys on the floor selling, they're all.
very unamused that this match happened that way. I remember that week specifically because that was the week that Mick Foley introduced the 24-7 championship to a very audible like no reaction. Then you about to win Money in the Bank, Brock coming out of nowhere. That was the same week that AEW had its first show. And it was interesting because this is May 2019. It was just like, we are so ready for a change. It stops treating us like we're stupid.
And I just remember I had an interview with Cody that week and I listed off those two things, 24 seven championship, Brock coming out of nowhere and winning one in the bank. And it was like, yeah, like now is the time to just have something different, have another option. Yeah. And I think that like, like what it created, right? Exactly. It created competition brings out the best of everybody and like,
Again, like, if I'm the only product in town, you're going to take whatever I serve you, pal. But now I go, oh, they're offering the same thing and a little extra and like, okay, you're in competition now. No matter they want to, both sides don't want to admit it or not. They're in competition, right? Like, and it's great for the fans. It's great for the talent because it's more negotiate. So it's, I think it's great for the industry. So I think AEW is like a huge win.
not just for themselves, but for the industry. Here's the thing, I always think beyond just the wrestling, like how many people does AEW employee? Like you think of medical staff, security, production. There's some very talented production people like John Carlo that worked like super over talent that didn't, you know, have a spot necessarily in WWE and now they get to go there. So it's just like you have to think as the industry as a whole, you know, writers, you know, like that or producers, like there's an option
So it's good for the industry as a whole. And like, I think the product is the final result of it too, right? The product has to be better because if I don't like what I'm seeing over here, I'm just going to go watch this. It also gives people like you the ability to be a free agent. Yeah. That wasn't the case for a long time. No. Yeah. It's a one show in town. You either work here or you don't work anywhere. Yeah. Yeah.
I've taken full advantage of it. I think we, I think TNA definitely is up in the conversation as well right now. They're doing like incredible business. And this partnership they have with WWE NXT is only even proving more beneficial. But then you look at their houses, they have lately, look at the hearties, are there long term they got nicknamed it. So business is booming brother.
Talk me through the Royal Rumble elimination from Nia Jaz. Oh yeah, brother. What's my line, ladies and gentlemen? I got stories. So that spot wasn't originally for me. I don't know who it was for, but someone was not very much okay with getting eliminated by a woman.
And I'm at this point where I'm trying to prove that like, Hey, I'm pros pro. I'm down for whatever. And I, and I can kind of see it's a, I think it was Jamie Noble again, because you just saw some, it was some sort of like frantic search. I liked the Jamie. I was like, what's the spot? He's like, man, he's like, and he like looked at me. He goes, would you be okay with it? And I just go, yep. What is it? Cause well, Nya is going to beat up our truth.
And then she's going to take everyone's finisher. But before she does, I just need, I just need her to throw somebody. Like, you know, and I don't know who the original person is. I really don't know. But I remember going like, God, that's like scripted show. It's mine. Like me and I are homies. So I remember I told Nylie, Hey, I'll do it. And she was so like,
Thank you. I can see the sense of really, so I could see why some people were like, oh man, that made you look weak. I go, Nia's shoot strong as hell and could pick up anyone in this room right now if she was, you know? And she tossed me over. And so we did the thing, like, hey, Nia, can I do the whole, like, I'm not going to hit you? Like, you know, like, I'm going to, I did this thing. And then she like had butted me. Yeah.
It's talked about to this day. Actually, I think the RK on the 619 took and the Royal only gets talked more. But yeah, it was a moment of people were like, like, I could see how some of the guys were like, oh, I wouldn't have done that. But I was looking, one, I didn't have a problem with it. And two, I was looking like, I think that goes a long way to like Vince and to like Bruce, like this guy didn't have a problem getting the spot over. Yeah. Because that's the moment. Like, that's what we want to do. We want to create moments, right?
That was the honest intention behind it. So yeah, it wasn't originally designed for me from what I understand. It's one of the moments that people talk about from that rumble. Yeah. Yeah. And it's cool. And Nia was super, like super worried that like, you know, because she did like a Samoan drop backwards. And I was supposed to go to my feet, but like me being me, I did like corkscrew something. It looked like I landed really funny.
And she saw it. She's like, are you okay? I was like, yeah, I'm fine. She's everyone thinks I hurt people. And I don't, I was like, no, no, no, you're fine. You didn't hurt me. I'm totally fine. So she's a sweetheart. But yeah, the nine of them was very, very cool. And it was just I took it as an opportunity to like step up to I'm down for whatever. Let's do it. Let's let's let's let's make entertainment. Let's make this entertaining. You know, where does your magic crown jewel rank in your accomplishments? I'm
So Mansur versus me and Crown Jewel, obviously it means a lot to Mansur because he's from Saudi Arabia, right? And being able to represent people historically, and this isn't just in pro wrestling. Representation is only brought up, but it's profitable. Representation is profitable, then companies are usually like, yeah, hey, check this out. This is a situation where like,
Even if that was the case, I saw an opportunity where two Muslims could be in a featured PLE match on WWE programming. What could this possibly mean in the future? And man, till this day, I'm telling you, and again, I think it's different, if you're wrong with different groups or you're with a certain set of culture, like you won't hear about it, but within my thing,
You know, when I go to Friday prayers at the masjid, at the mosque, or when I go to religious events, or if I'm even in downtown Chicago, go to a, you know, whatever spot, you know, cultural food that, you know, caters to my people, like people like, oh, yeah, you and Mansoul, like, dude, that was so cool. Like, they know it. They know that match. Again, on a personal level, I think very, very highly of him. He's kind of like my annoying, like little kid brother. He's such a goof. Have you talked to him? You met him, right? No, I met him.
He's like, he's just bouncing off the wall. We talked about caffeine before. He doesn't even drink this stuff and he's like that. He's a wild man. It's only 120 grams. That's not doing it for me. He's not doing it for you. You got to chug it then, shotgun him. But yeah, so meant a lot, received a lot of adulation for that match backstage. We were put in a tough spot. We followed Edge and Seth, Hell on the Cell, 45 minutes. You know what I mean?
to the greatest ever do it. Don't worry. Go follow that. But yeah, I think very fond of it. By the way, I forgot to do my line. I got stories, brother. Crown Jewel, we got there. We get to the arena. The sewer is nowhere to be found.
There is a Olympic kickboxer that's basically after the match, you know, I talked once or boo. We're going to send out this Saudi Arabian kickboxer that shoot. No, he's not a kid, but he's a martial artist. And he shoot knocked out some of the Olympics and got disqualified for it because you're not supposed to knock each other. You're supposed to just like.
like tap each other. So he knocks someone out. The country loves him. He's beloved. So he comes out and then we're supposed to have a stir up and they go, and then Bruce Pritchard, very happily. It's like, yeah, then he's gonna throw one of those kicks and knock you out. I go, like, like not really knocking. Yeah, I'm like, he did like two weeks ago, right? And the guy, the guy was super super cool, but like, I think again,
what got a lot of adulation. It was like, there were some higher ups that were ringside. And I just took over. I'm like, hey, man, you're going to come in like this, make sure you open up so the camera sees you. And he's wearing like, you know, he's wearing like a little disguise. I mean, make sure you very carefully unveil it. They're going to react. Don't move because they're going to shoot you. Then they're going to shoot me. Then they're going to shoot you again. Then back to me, I go, just basically don't move until I start like I'm walking them through it. Like, and like, you don't have to telegraph the kickman. Just throw it. I'll be fine. Like,
I'm walking through all the nuances about like camera positioning. I'll be able to tell you because like, you know, he hopped in the ring like, let's go like, no, no, no, you don't happen like you. They don't know who you are until you take this off. Once you take that off, they have to register it and I go, they know I'm in trouble once you do that. So like, that's going to take like.
three minutes and he's like, wow, how could she just trust me, you know? So I think all the higher ups see that. And that got like a lot of like, I don't know, like backstage buzz like, yo, and this guy is a pro's pro. The funny story is Mansoor isn't here. Where is Mansoor? This guy forgot to bring his passport because he's a Saudi citizen there. So cool, he could get into the country, but he can't get back in the US without his passport.
So instead of getting to the arena early to put this match together, to walk through all this stuff like that, he had to go to like the embassy and get like an emergency passport done. So basically by the time they get him, they're like, the show isn't starting, but like we're really close to short. And he shows and he's like, I'm so sorry. I'm like, don't worry, put the whole thing together. Sit down. So we, you know, we fill him in. And I've worked him enough to know what he would want to do. But yeah, it was just one of those days where like I was just so happy that like I got to do that with him. And more importantly, like,
No matter what happens at the end of the day, I don't know what I'm going to be remembered for, but I know I've laid a lot of the groundwork, and I kind of cleared a path a little bit. For people of my background and my descent to come into this industry and not have to play those old preconceived roles, like Mustafa Ali has made it normal.
to just be Mustafally like, I don't have to be chic. And I don't have to be the evil prince. You know, I don't have to be this or that. Yeah. I could just be Mustafally. I could be a politician. I could be positive Ali. I could be the leader of retribution. I could be a hacker. I could. I've normalized that. And though I may have not achieved the highest level success, I cleared a lot of ground weight. We're like,
The next generation, I hope that they don't have to knock down nearly as many doors or boundaries. So maybe that's what's gonna, and I think that magic crown jewel was like a huge milestone in that. Did you know that retribution was not gonna work out from the start? I mean, I think if you have them entirely, then yeah, no, I had them entirely like, give me anything and I'm going to make this work. It wasn't my idea, showed up was handed something. The reveal wasn't, the original reveal,
was not what I think, I think I said this on, what was it called? No, not Twitter on acts one time. Yeah, I was like, whatever you're talking about. So the original idea for the reveal was a little bit more convoluted and confusing to me, like what Vince had laid out. It was a match with MVP and then like her business gets involved. The original script call for retribution to come jump on me as well and like drag me out of the ring and kind of like make it look like they're beating me up.
And then after they got MVP throw me in the ring and like they're standing over like they're going to kill me. And then for me to start laughing like a mania and then stand up. And I was like, oh, all right. Cool. And I was like, man, this doesn't like sound like cool. Like, you know, this mastermind behind retribution, especially in a time when there's no fans. Yeah. Yeah. And the other thing is like, I was getting manhandled by like the guys that
or working for me. Yeah. So I remember I ran it by Samoa Joe who was doing commentary. It's like, oh, bro, he's like, you're the master. You're like, that's a hack. Like, no one moves unless you say it, you know? I said, what if you did it this way? And dude, Joe laid out the whole thing. He's like, you hop out of the ring and you go right up to these two biggest, baddest dudes. And you look at them and MVP sold it, bro. The hurt business, they're all like, and this kid's got pause.
And then Joe was like you just turn around with that shitty being grand. And he goes and you let the audience go. And he goes and nobody moved and dude the way they shot it was like. Because they cut back to MVP and all that and they're like.
And you can just tell. And he goes, when the time is right, you just tell your boys, get them. And I literally did exactly what Joe had laid out. And I just stood there. All of this carnage happens. There's bodies everywhere. And he goes, and when everyone's down, you just step over the bodies, you know, without breaking eye. No one, no one even looks at you because they're like, you know, looking down at you. And then when you tell them to join you in the rain, you give them a nod, then he goes, nobody moves unless you say it.
That's a, that was cool. So we did it, man. And like that, that, I don't know what the view count is. And now that's like one of the highest rated views on YouTube that I've ever been a part of, right? Did I know it was going to fail? I know we had our workout for us. I know the names weren't pleasant. The masks weren't pleasant. And it was kind of even more frustrating because there's so many talented individuals underneath these things.
I had tried to save retribution and Vince approved in it first, but he just never made air. I said, hey, why do these guys have mask and names? And I could never get the why. There was no why for, I go, what is retribution? I was assured a million times it wasn't something about Antifa. I was assured a million times it was A's, but I'm going, what is retribution? Well, it's like, you know, a group that just wants to wreak havoc, but why? So I couldn't get the why.
Like an oil diejack has, you know, his ups and downs of NXT. Mia's had her ups on Shane. I don't want to do the typical disgruntled worker thing. I think we do like that. Like, we're going to make sure nobody else goes to what we went through. We're the good guys here. But how do I explain the names in the mask? So I came up with this idea. I go, I purposely gave them horrible names.
and horrible mass. And what did you people do? You made fun of them. You made fun of them for their names and the way they look, just like you make fun of me, because my name is Mustafa Ali, and I look the way I look, don't you? And just that connection of, I go, and now that, so it's like a teaching lesson for retribution. I go, you guys see what I go through? This is the world. They'll make fun of you for something as simple as your name.
And once they, these, these guys in retribution understand that then they take off the mass and then they, they, they like, they like graduated. You know what I mean? So then we reveal this is Dijak. This is Dio. This is Mia. This is Shane. We are retribution. We like, you know, so that was a, I was like, a, aha moment. I thought and all the right of like, yeah, yes. And it was presented to Vince. Vince loves it. Can we get in wrong? We don't have time. We don't have that. So each week, we just kept going out with these names and like Vince, we really need to cut this promo.
We just put it on social media. And that was it. But he never would let us take off the mask or the names. Retribution failed because there wasn't a why. There was never a why. Ben Slaw's interest in it. Not my story to tell.
a power struggle between people and retribution was affected because of that. It wasn't directly anything involved with me, so it's not my story to tell. But we suffered because of that. And I think at the end of the day, if there was a why, and if there was some effort behind to make it a legitimate threat, it would have been great. I feel for someone like Dijak, because I was his only shot on the main roster.
So even thing with Dijak, like I'm glad that he got a chance to go back down to NXT, like reinvent himself. But it's another like thing where you kind of scratch your head, like big dude can move kind of promo like, well, and myself included in a lot of people, not the first group of talent to like not reach the full potential. And unfortunately, not the last group of talent. It's just the nature of the industry. I like, I'm kind of like,
This year, I've grown a lot in the sense where like, I think I was so passionate about it that I would take those failures or they'll stop and start pushes. I would take them very personally. And now I'm just so level-headed and professional, like, oh, okay.
Cooking crumbles that way, man. It's got a decision was made based on some sort of analytics, whether it was merchandise, ad revenue, you know, demands from the network. There's things that I don't know. All I know is if you give me this, I'm going to make it as good as I possibly can and whatever insight you can give me to make it better. Great. But that's my job. So I think I'm very thankful for the time away because it's been able, not that my passion has died on. I just think by like my level of understanding of like,
You got it. You can't take it personal, right? You like you can't because then when you do it, that's when it gets, it gets murky. But I think I just understand like a lot of times just the way the cookie crumbles man. There's so many talented people across the board that never see the light of day. Yeah. If you can, you can only control the way you look. You can control the work that you do in the ring. You can't control so many other things. So to bring this full circle back to your wrestling school, what do you tell the talent? Like, yeah, you can work as hard as you want. But like, what's that extra thing that you can tell them about?
Maybe it's having the good attitude or, you know, rolling with the punches. Yeah, so there's a fine line, right? Because you don't want to become the guy that's just the yes, man. Not even like that. Some people deal as complacent. Like, oh, this guy won't have an issue.
where you can just give him the grunt work or not. But at the same time, you don't want to be the diva. We got to run this by him. There's a happy middle ground. And I always think it's like how you present and communicate yourself. There are plenty of times where I've shown up to shows or TV where I go.
Cool. I got this. Can I read through it? Can I ask some questions? Why are we doing it this way? I always present it because my intention is honestly, I just want to make it as good as possible. And if I understand the why, it makes it a lot better. It's like method acting, right? Like you understand, like, what, what are we trying to accomplish here? And this thing, what's my motivation? That's what they were saying. Yeah. So like, if you present yourself as that, a guy that asks why, because you want to better understand what is expected of you,
But there's other people like, oh, I'm not going over like, what are you like? Did you even read it? Like read it through, find out what the next few weeks are like, are unfolding to, to be, you know what I mean? Like what I'm trying to say is,
There's a fine line between presenting yourself as difficult as, as well as just being down for everything. There's a fine line. You got to, you got to be a pro. Um, my advice would be, yeah, initially definitely like just any opportunities, a good opportunity to learn from it. But you always want to conduct yourself professionally. You're going to go to these indie shows and everyone's, you know, t-shirt and shorts, like show up in a suit.
buy the boys some pizza when you can't, like, you act like a pro, like when you walk into these locker rooms, I'm telling you, man, I'm like, I'm suited up, I'm ready to go, I got the precious gear, I'll put on the best match, and the nicest merch, like, you guys are pro. You just, you don't want to be labeled as just another one of those, another one of the boys, right? It's more than rolling with the punches, you definitely have to take chances and knock on doors, like, I don't think I would have got hired if I didn't go up to Hunter. The Cruiserweight Classic happened.
Everyone got a contract except for me. I was the alternate that got called in. So I think maybe there was like a list. I just wasn't on the list. So everyone got a deal and like very sheepish. I did like two or three NXT like, you know, extra work things and like, you know, Hideo Tommy list like beat me up or something like that.
And after that, I just went up to 100. I was like, Hey, like, you know, when you know, like, do you think I'm going to get a contract? And I think he was kind of taking my disaster. And he goes, Oh, you know, it's a, you know, there's so many dogs and so many bones. I can only give up some of your bones. It's a timing thing. And I go, okay, he's just politely telling me to like get away. And I, you know, I thank you for your time, sir. And that week I'm going to call. Wow. Yeah.
If I didn't say that. The squeaky wheel. The squeaky wheel. And it was very good. I'm pretty sure if you break it down, I was the only alternate in the Cruiserweight class. Everyone else was on. They had an idea of who they wanted to sign for the game. But yeah, if I didn't ask, I don't think I'd be sitting here. Well, congrats on everything. Congrats to you, man. Thank you. No, for real. I was mentioning this to you. I got to say it on air, though, but there's not a time where I don't open up my phone.
on any platform, uh, X or Instagram or, or, or I'm not a big TikTok guy. I'm sure you're there to, but YouTube, like you're, you're just everywhere and you're killing it, man. And you're doing it right. And I applaud the positivity that you bring to the scene because I feel like it's so easy. Like this interview could just could have been.
negativity, negativity. And we just, we made it a point to stay on the positive points. And I think that's why I was so receptive to doing it. You're the first interview I've done. Thank you. Yeah. And I mean, yeah. And I think it's a good, it's a good, it's a testament to like what you're doing, man. Like you're doing it the right way and I applaud you. Congrats on all your success. I'm sure you got to meet the rock after this, but I'm glad that you, you know, he's my one o'clock. Yeah. Yeah. There's enough negativity in the world. Yeah. Certainly enough negativity in wrestling. Yeah.
I don't want to contribute to that. I applaud you. And I think it's also a testament to my team that every time you open up an app, one of my interview clips is there. And it's a bunch of clips from this one. Yeah, yeah, you're going to be there. The one because I got a story for you. That's the name of the episode. That should be. I think it's just a testament to all of the people that I work with of like,
They're the best, and I'm very fortunate to be able to work with them. You're running a tight ship, and I think, again, the presentation of it is next level, but you're doing it right, man. Thanks, man. And thank you for being so understanding. We don't need to get into it, but we were supposed to do an interview a few weeks ago, and I appreciate you being so understanding about everything. Absolutely. Gratitude is the biggest, most important thing in my life.
So that's why I end every interview asking this question. What are three things that you're grateful for? Oh, this is the question that I was actually like most worried about. Um, or you did your homework. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, you, your, your clips, like I said, they make the rounds. So, um, I guess I'm my, my self is like, I kind of want to be different, you know, but like the thing is I think people are thankful like for the same things because at the end of the day, we're all human beings and we, we want the same thing.
Yeah, one too seemed to be very similar with a lot of people. Yeah, yeah. Family. Family health. Family health, you know. The number one thing that I'm most thankful for is empathy. I feel like my sense of empathy stems from my time as a police officer because I was dealing with
Bond and barrel crackhead that had no reason to live. And I was also escorting the mayor and a limo to a talent. I've seen both sides. You've probably seen some stuff. Yeah. And empathy, because I can look at that crackhead junkie or like that. And I talked to them. It was like, yeah, I used to be
You know, a big time lawyer until my wife left me until he told me that about, you know, my three year old got run over by a car and died. And you hear about these horrific things that these people went through. And then all of a sudden you can kind of understand how they fell down this dark dark hole. And now all of a sudden they become human. And I've been able to apply that sense of empathy wherever I go. Like, man, someday sometimes people just need a break.
They don't need your comment or your opinion. They're just going through some stuff. So I'm very grateful that I can look at someone and everyone's very angry at that or has an opinion and I go.
Let me find out who the person is behind this action. Let me find out what the intention was behind the action. Sometimes we met, sometimes we mean to do good and we just mess up. That's powerful. You know what I mean? What is the intention behind the action? So I'm very thankful that I have that mindset in my, not just in my profession, in my life. Family, obviously. Sure. My wife, Osmo.
is she puts her arms around me. She becomes a cape and I become Superman. I'm telling you, man, I am not half the man. I would not be able to do half the things without her support. And I know that's very cliche and she's, but I genuinely mean that like the amount of times that this woman has caught me and brought me back up and like fixed my time, get back out there. It's unreal. So I know everything to her. She puts her arms around you. She becomes a cape. You become Superman.
Right. Yeah, dude, and it gets people man. So usually when I say that the girls all go, I go, no, but like I'm telling you like she. That's really that's the most powerful explanation I've ever heard of that. I love my wife more than anybody on this planet. Yeah, we're lucky. We're like so lucky. I've never heard anybody put it so perfectly. Yeah, like don't you feel like she makes you like, I can't do any of this. Yeah.
And then obviously, because of her, I have the three most perfect kids. My Amara, Rayan, Dua, 10, 7, and soon to be three. My household is crazy. I come in and it's like they want to tell me about their day, soccer, jiu-jitsu, basketball, wrestling. Everything is all at once, and I love the craziness. And I think the last thing that I'm grateful for is my understanding of time.
Uh, I don't have nightmares, but I do have a very, very clear vision of like, you know, the little time sand gimmick thing with the sands dropping hourglass hourglass. And I'm so like, time is fleeting. And I think because I have that perspective, I'm able to do the long nights or these crazy flights. I'm like, we just land go. I have a meeting. You have to like, we're hustling.
I'm not, you're not going to win the battle of time, right? Like time ultimately wins, but like, man, we can give it one hell of a fight. Yes. I'm going to get my, I'm going to get my time's worth, right? And I just think I've met so many people, I've lost a lot of people, including my dad, where they would sit and just, they, they wish they had a little bit more or they wish they chased this or they wish that they're very happy and they know that they're blessed, especially like, and I keep kind of referencing, there's a lot going on in the world today.
And there's no way that I could open up my phone without seeing some sort of horrific image and a reminder of like, man, life is so precious. We as humans are so precious. And it's this essence of time. I'm looking over at my three year olds playing with her stuffed animals. And the next thing, I know my wife's got a broken neck. It's just happening.
So I'm appreciative that I have the wherewithal with time and I feel like I feel like I did waste a lot of time in my life and I'm not going to do it anymore. This is why Christopher Nolan is my favorite director because every movie is playing with time in some sort of way. Yes. Right. Interstellar, inception, Dunkirk, and Tenant is going backwards. Memento, the ultimate currency.
Absolutely, because it's the only non-renewable currency. Can't get it back. Ever. Can't get it back. What's the, I don't know the full quote, but it's like the only thing you spend, and you don't know the balances. Yeah. Oh my God. It's a powerful stuff. Wow. What is going on? Let's just do a quote show. I think we had about 18 of them in this. I was like, next time we do this, I was gonna bring my like, oh great. A little cheat sheet of quotes. And I'll bring mine. Yeah, and we'll just read it back. It'll be like, instead of a rap battle, it's like a quote battle. I don't have guys that are like, oh!
I think I just gave you like a million dollar idea. I'm brilliant. All right. That's my next venture. We'll do the CVV and Ali quote battle. It's also why back to the future is my favorite movie of all time. Yeah. Yeah. Because it reminds you of how important time is, how important moments are. If this doesn't happen, then that can't happen. Yeah. Yeah. It's all. So at the end of the day, like, you know, regret time, not, not, it's all about time, man. When it's your time, it's your time. So just you can't get it back, man.
make the most of it. And all these are like cliche, you're hurting it. But like anybody watching this that I'm telling you, if there's something that you want to do in your life, go do it now. Like who cares about the failure, who cares about the opinion, who cares, even to a sense who even cares about the money behind it. The time is the ultimate currency. So please go chase that. What a way to end this. Hey, man. We did okay. Thanks, brother. I appreciate it, man. Chris, congratulations on all your success too, man. Likewise, right back at you.
Well, there you go, my friends. I really enjoyed that conversation. I hope that you did as well. That story about Brock and Vince and money in the bank. That is a classic. Oh, he's got stories. Brother, I got stories. And again, if you're interested in training at his wrestling school, go to Chicago Wrestling Center.com for all of the info and you can apply on there as well. Very interested to see what 2025 has in store for Mustafa Ali.
snap a screenshot, tag us and we can share it out on social media. He's at Mustafa underscore Ali on Instagram at Mustafa Ali underscore X on Twitter. I'm at Chris van Vliet. And since we were talking about the idea of
diving into wrestling training. This quote just seems so applicable. I didn't even mean to do this. It just kind of happened. But it's a quote that I came across this week that I love. The cost of never taking a risk is spending the rest of your life wishing you had. Be great. Be grateful, my friends. Merry Christmas if you celebrate. Happy holidays. We will see you on the next one for some more insight.
Drinking and driving is a decision that could change your whole world. Things will never be the same if you ever get a DUI. Because legal fees and time in court are just the beginning. Getting into a crash is another way that your world can be turned upside down.
Your vehicle may not be the only thing that gets damaged in that crash. You can face a life-altering injury or even death, but you're not the only one that can face those consequences. Your decision to drink and drive can permanently impact not just your world, but someone else's world as well. Whether you injure them or leave their loved ones grieving.
The next time you're out drinking, call a ride share, a taxi, a sober friend, or a designated sober driver. The only decision that will change your world for the better is the decision to call for a sober ride. Drive sober or get pulled over. Paid for by NHTSA.
Was this transcript helpful?
Recent Episodes
R-Truth Is HILARIOUS! His Childhood Hero John Cena, 24/7 Championship, Getting Brock Lesnar To Break Character

Insight with Chris Van Vliet
R-Truth discusses his career in professional wrestling with Chris Van Vliet, including memorable moments, music career, and potential for a heel turn, as INSIGHT LIVE tickets go on sale for Jan 31, 2025.
December 31, 2024
AskCVV #63 - John Cena's Next Match, Raw On Netflix Bigger Than WrestleMania?, Penta's WWE Debut

Insight with Chris Van Vliet
Chris answers questions about John Cena's first opponent in 2025, ad preferences for Raw on Netflix, best Undertaker era, The New Day turning heel, Dolph Ziggler return, Pentagon WWE debut, RVV return, and more. Awaiting questions for the next AskCVV.
December 27, 2024
John Cena On Retirement, Winning His 17th Championship, Heel Turn, Bray Wyatt Match (Interview From March 2024)

Insight with Chris Van Vliet
John Cena discusses his comedy 'Ricky Stanicky' on Amazon Prime, Wrestling with Zac Efron, insights into WWE matches and returns, favorite Championship, longevity in wrestling, personal philosophies, future Bray Wyatt match, injuries recovery, lyrics preference, things he's grateful for, and more with Chris Van Vliet.
December 26, 2024
AskCVV #62 - John Cena's Return, SNME Review, Best Royal Rumble Winner, Cody's Next Opponent

Insight with Chris Van Vliet
Chris Van Vliet announces the birth of his newborn son and answers questions about recent WWE events including Saturday Night's Main Event on NBC, Kevin Owens vs Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Royal Rumble, John Cena at Elimination Chamber, Michael Cole on commentary, Undertaker's kind words about Insight.
December 20, 2024
Related Episodes
AskCVV #28 - Jack Perry Attacks Tony Khan, Early KOTR Picks, Becky Lynch Is Champ, Michael Cole Is The GOAT

Insight with Chris Van Vliet
Chris VanVliet answers questions about Jack Perry attacking Tony Khan, Becky Lynch's championship win, King of the Ring predictions, non-compete clauses, best MITB cash-in, Michael Cole's longevity, and more.
April 26, 2024
Dijak on WWE Exit, AEW, Retribution, T-Bar, Cody Rhodes, Vince McMahon

Insight with Chris Van Vliet
Ex-WWE wrestler Donovan Dijak discusses his WWE departure, RETRIBUTION, AEW Forbidden Door appearance, and more with host Chris Van Vliet. Includes mention of Cody Rhodes chair shot incident.
July 23, 2024
Austin Theory Beat John Cena At WrestleMania! Viral Moments With The Rock, Stone Cold, Brock Lesnar

Insight with Chris Van Vliet
Austin Theory discusses being in the ring with The Rock and Pat McAfee, selling Stone Cold Stunner, Money in the Bank briefcase, facing John Cena at WrestleMania, F5'd by Brock Lesnar, getting knocked out by Tyson Fury, and more.
November 07, 2024
Jinder Mahal Is A Free Agent! WWE Frustrations, Brock Lesnar, Punjabi Prison Match

Insight with Chris Van Vliet
'Raj Dhesi, former WWE wrestler Jinder Mahal, talks about his recent release, working with Indus Sher and Drew McIntyre, Punjabi Prison match, regretted promo, and fight for the 24/7 Championship in unusual places.'
July 18, 2024

Ask this episodeAI Anything

Hi! You're chatting with Insight with Chris Van Vliet AI.
I can answer your questions from this episode and play episode clips relevant to your question.
You can ask a direct question or get started with below questions -
What is the name of Mustafa Ali's new wrestling school?
Who was eliminated by Mustafa Ali in a Royal Rumble match?
Who interrupted Mustafa Ali during the Money in the Bank match?
Who won the WWE Championship due to Mustafa Ali's injury?
What is Mustafa Ali's mantra for pursuing dreams?
Sign In to save message history