Former WWE Wrestler Was Backstage At Dynamite

AEW seemingly has a very flexible policy regarding allowing visitors to attend backstage, so while it sometimes indicates that someone is set to join the promotion, it can just as easily mean someone wanted to catch up with friends. And now, following AEW’s latest taping in Chicago, Illinois, PWInsider.com has reported that former WWE wrestler Mustafa Ali was in attendance. For those unaware, Ali is currently TNA’s X Division Champion, although it has been claimed he has been working for the promotion without a contract, which will potentially lead to speculation that he could be AEW-bound.

“TNA X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali was backstage visiting at the AEW Dynamite: Beach Break in Chicago.”

38-year-old Ali’s big break came in 2016 when WWE signed him during their search for new cruiserweight talents. And while he was never significantly pushed as a featured star, possibly due to having been branded a cruiserweight, he was always over with fans who appreciated his in-ring ability and mic skills. Still, it is known he was at times disgruntled during his run with the company, going as far as to request his release in January 2022 after Vince McMahon pitched him a gimmick that he felt was offensive and against his principles.