Mustafa Ali Explains Why He Intentionally Signed Short-Term Deal When He First Joined TNA

Mustafa Ali was not sure how things would pan out, so he kept it short to start.

Mustafa Ali has been with TNA Wrestling for two years. In that time, he’s held the X Division Title and is the current TNA International Champion.

Ali was interviewed for the Johnny I Pro Show, and as the chat moved along, Ali shared why he intentionally signed a short-term deal with TNA when he started working for the promotion in 2024.

“The first time I went to work for TNA, I intentionally did a very short-term deal because you don’t know. I don’t know if they’re anti-ex-WWE guys or how is it gonna feel? Is it weird? I’m not a party guy. I don’t drink. I’ll have the occasional cigar or something like that. But, TNA is the only time where I’m hanging out late night in the lobbies with the boys and everyone’s having a good time and it’s just such a family atmosphere. It’s just like we’re all distant cousins, something like that… It’s just fun. Again, you see the smile on my face. I’m just thinking, like, oh yeah, one of the best things about work is we all just hang out at the end of the night… There is a true family feel to it.”

In Ali’s first match for TNA, he defeated Chris Sabin to become the X Division Champion. He held the title for nearly 150 days.

If the quote in this article is used, please credit Johnny I Pro Show with an H/T to Fightful for the transcription.