“I Needed to Be Creatively Fulfilled”
Mustafa Ali has opened up about his decision to remain with TNA Wrestling, citing a deep creative connection with the company as a primary factor. In a recent interview with Rewind Recap Relive, the former X-Division Champion explained that his negotiations began before TNA secured its landmark deal with AMC, proving his commitment was to the brand itself.
“TNA and me specifically, it’s just this synergy. It’s this fit,” Ali said. “I get along, really, really well with Carlos [Silva] and the creative department… I have visions. I want to say like nine times out of 10, you know, they kind of see the vision with me.”
Ali emphasized that while he is a “good soldier” who follows orders, the collaborative environment in TNA allows him to be “opinionated” and “hands-on” with his character. “Selfishly, I was looking to be creatively fulfilled, and I feel like the best chance I had of doing that is with TNA, and I’m so happy.”
The news of the AMC deal came as a “nice little cherry on top” after he had already decided to stay. Ali is next scheduled to face Elijah in a Guitar Casket Match on next week’s episode of Impact.