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Mustafa Ali On Leaving WWE, RETRIBUTION, Brock Lesnar Stealing His MITB Win, TNA X Division Champion

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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.

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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.

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