Mustafa Ali Reveals Backstory of Brock Lesnar Segment and Subsequent WWE Departure
Former WWE and current TNA Wrestling star Mustafa Ali recently detailed the circumstances surrounding a memorable and personally impactful segment with Brock Lesnar on WWE Raw in May 2023, as well as the events leading to his eventual release from the company. Ali described the incident as a direct consequence of backstage politics and a message sent from “someone extremely high up” within WWE.
The “Gain a Life, Kid” Incident
During an appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Ali recounted the segment where Lesnar told him, “Get a life, kid,” in a backstage interaction. While acknowledging the segment was perceived as humorous by fans, Ali revealed it was a deeply upsetting experience for him. He explained that the incident stemmed from a situation during a promotional trip to Saudi Arabia for the Night of Champions event.
Saudi Arabia Trip and Unintended Request
Ali was sent to Saudi Arabia for media appearances promoting Night of Champions, despite not being scheduled to wrestle on the present. His unexpectedly large and enthusiastic reception from fans – drawing a crowd of approximately 3,000 compared to the anticipated 500 – led the President of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) to request to Vince McMahon that Ali be added to the event card. Ali, unaware he was speaking to such a high-ranking official, explained to the GEA President that only champions typically appear on Night of Champions.
Backstage Fallout and the Lesnar Segment
Ali believes this interaction triggered a negative response from someone within WWE management. He sensed “nervous tension” throughout the day leading up to the Lesnar segment. The location of the segment was moved to Gorilla Position at the last minute, a highly visible area backstage. Ali noted the silence that followed Lesnar’s comment, as those present understood the underlying message being conveyed.
NXT Opportunity and Subsequent Release
Following the Lesnar segment, Ali received an opportunity in NXT, facilitated by Shawn Michaels reaching out to Triple H. However, his time in NXT was short-lived. He was released by WWE shortly before a scheduled NXT North American Title match at NXT No Mercy in September 2023, where he was reportedly slated to win the championship.
Success in TNA Wrestling
After his departure from WWE, Ali found success in TNA Wrestling, winning the TNA X-Division Championship in 2024 and holding the title for 148 days. He recently re-signed with the company and participated in the TNA/NXT crossover event in October 2023.
Looking Back
Ali expressed a sense of closure and accomplishment, stating he gave his all during his time with WWE and has embraced a new chapter in his career. He emphasized that he left WWE without regrets, having explored every opportunity presented to him.