Mustafa Ali recently spoke with Denise Salcedo about his return to WWE’s NXT brand and the promo that set up his title match against NXT North American Champion Ethan Page. The announcement came during Tuesday’s episode, where Ali confronted Page, leading to their showdown scheduled for next week at the NXT vs. TNA event. Ali referenced his previous opportunity to challenge for the North American Championship in 2023, which was cut short when he was released before the match could take place.
The Creative Process Behind Ali’s NXT Promo
In his discussion, Ali revealed that he initially aimed to deliver the promo in a way that better matched his current character’s style. However, after conferring with Shawn Michaels, he was encouraged to present a more genuine and emotional version of the message. Ali explained his thought process:
“It wasn’t that I wasn’t comfortable with it, it’s just that I feel like I’ve said this before and I’m at a stage in my career, especially with TNA, where I feel like I’ve presented this politician, very powerful, very confident individual that kind of condescendingly weaves and snakes his way into the match. So, when I got there, I did meet with Shawn and I kind of pitched a different version of the same promo but what I thought would be more in line with (his current character).”
Shawn Michaels’ Guidance to Delivering an Authentic Promo
Shawn Michaels encouraged Ali to stick to the original plan of revealing his story more transparently and emotionally. The wrestling legend advised Ali to break down his usual persona during the promo and connect directly with the audience. Ali recalled the moment Michaels pulled him aside alongside the writer and said:
“He pulled me aside with the writer. He goes, ‘I’m telling you, you got to be real on this one. You got to let people know what happened. You got to trust me on this. Start off how you want, but then midway through just take the mask off and look him dead in the eye and tell everybody what happened.’ He’s like, ‘I’m telling you, you got to trust me.’”
Ali’s Reaction to Michaels’ Advice During the Promo
At first, Ali doubted Michaels’ suggestion, but as he delivered the promo, he sensed the crowd’s change in energy. The audience’s silence and engagement made him realize the impact of sharing his true story. He said:
“I thought he was wrong initially and then I went out and as I’m cutting the promo I myself started to feel it and there was this pin drop silence. I think I said something along the lines of ‘My dream was on the horizon but that day Mr. Page, the sun did not rise,’ and you could just hear like everyone felt that was real.”
“So when I came back, I looked at Shawn, I go, ‘You were right.’”
Setting the Stage for the NXT vs. TNA Showdown
This powerful promo not only marked a significant moment in Ali’s return but also heightened anticipation for his upcoming match with Ethan Page at the NXT vs. TNA Showdown. The segment has generated considerable buzz, offering fans a glimpse into the tension between the two competitors heading into the event.
Why wait?!Mustafa Ali and Ethan Page gave us a little preview of Showdown!!! pic.twitter.com/gfB0J1xuqj
— WWE (@WWE)
As Ali continues his journey in NXT, his honest approach to the promo shows an evolution in his character and perhaps a new chapter in his wrestling career. The upcoming match will be a key moment to watch, reflecting both his growth and the ongoing narrative within WWE’s NXT brand.
Why wait?!
Mustafa Ali and Ethan Page gave us a little preview of Showdown!!! pic.twitter.com/gfB0J1xuqj
— WWE (@WWE) October 1, 2025
