Mustafa Ali would likely be holding the NXT North American Championship today if not for his release.

Ali was released from WWE on September 21, 2023, alongside several Superstars including Shelton Benjamin, Dolph Ziggler, Aliyah, and the Maximum Male Models, among others. Ali had requested his release from the promotion in early 2022 but had been denied his request.

In the days before his release from WWE, Ali had teased appearing on the September 25, 2023, episode of Monday Night Raw. An NXT North American title match was promoted for the show pitting Dominik Mysterio against Dragon Lee. Ali, who was scheduled to challenge for the title at NXT No Mercy, was frustrated that Lee was getting a title match before him.



Fightful Select reports that there were plans in place for Ali to have a run as the NXT North American Champion. This is one of the reasons why NXT officials were frustrated by the call to cut him.

The original plan was always for Mysterio to retain the title against Lee on Raw, but that Ali would have gotten involved and cost Dragon Lee the match. This would've resulted in the No Mercy title match becoming a triple threat between Ali, Lee, and Mysterio that the now-ex Superstar would have won. It was added that Shawn Michaels, Mustafa Ali, and WWE NXT Creative had tentative plans for Ali on the brand going into 2024.