Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mustafa Ali

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 8, 2025

Discover the career path of Mustafa Ali, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Adeel Alam, known as Mustafa Ali, is an American professional wrestler currently signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) where he leads Order 4. He also wrestles on the independent circuit and for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He gained prominence during his time in WWE from 2016 to 2023.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 2, 2003: Professional Wrestling Debut

On February 2, 2003, Mustafa Ali made his professional wrestling debut.

2003: Professional Wrestling Debut

In 2003, Mustafa Ali made his professional wrestling debut on the independent circuit.

June 25, 2016: Cruiserweight Classic Replacement

On June 25, 2016, Mustafa Ali was announced as a replacement for Zumbi in the Cruiserweight Classic tournament.

2016: Cruiserweight Classic and WWE Contract

In 2016, Mustafa Ali competed in the Cruiserweight Classic as a replacement and earned a full-time contract with WWE following his performances.

January 23, 2017: Raw Debut

On January 23, 2017, Mustafa Ali made his Raw debut, teaming with Jack Gallagher and TJ Perkins to defeat Ariya Daivari, Drew Gulak, and Tony Nese.

February 2018: Cruiserweight Championship Tournament

In February 2018, Mustafa Ali participated in the Cruiserweight Championship tournament, advancing to the final at WrestleMania 34.

December 11, 2018: SmackDown Live Appearance and Match

On December 11, 2018, Mustafa Ali made his first appearance on SmackDown Live, confronting Daniel Bryan and losing to him later that night.

December 2018: Move to SmackDown Brand

In December 2018, Mustafa Ali was moved to the SmackDown brand from the cruiserweight division.

January 27, 2019: Royal Rumble Performance

On January 27, 2019, at the Royal Rumble, Mustafa Ali competed in the Royal Rumble match, lasting 30 minutes and eliminating Shinsuke Nakamura and Samoa Joe.

March 2019: Ring Name Shortened

In March 2019, Mustafa Ali's ring name was shortened to Ali.

March 25, 2019: Ring Name Shortened to Ali

On March 25, 2019, Mustafa Ali's ring name was officially shortened to "Ali".

November 2019: Ring Name Change End

In November 2019, Mustafa Ali used the ring name Ali for the last time before reverting back to his full ring name.

July 2020: Move to Raw Brand

In July 2020, Mustafa Ali was moved to the Raw brand.

July 20, 2020: Return to Raw

On July 20, 2020, Mustafa Ali returned to Raw, teaming with Cedric Alexander and Ricochet to defeat MVP, Bobby Lashley, and Shelton Benjamin.

2021: Storyline with Mansoor and Draft to SmackDown

In 2021, Mustafa Ali began a storyline with Mansoor, and as part of the 2021 Draft, Ali was drafted to the SmackDown brand.

January 16, 2022: Public Request for WWE Release

On January 16, 2022, Mustafa Ali publicly requested his release from WWE, which was declined.

February 20, 2023: Victory Over Dolph Ziggler

On the February 20, 2023, episode of Raw, Mustafa Ali defeated Dolph Ziggler.

September 2023: WWE Release

In September 2023, Mustafa Ali was released from WWE.

September 21, 2023: WWE Release Announcement

On September 21, 2023, Mustafa Ali announced that he was no longer working for WWE after being released.

December 2023: Return to Independent Circuit

In December 2023, Mustafa Ali returned to the independent circuit.

December 21, 2023: Announcement of Independent Bookings

On December 21, 2023, Mustafa Ali announced that he would be taking independent bookings.

January 6, 2024: First Post-WWE Appearance

On January 6, 2024, Mustafa Ali made his first post-WWE appearance at Association les Professionnels du Catch's (APC) 20th Anniversary show, defeating Aigle Blanc.

January 13, 2024: NJPW Debut at Battle in the Valley

On January 13, 2024, Mustafa Ali made his New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) debut in a pre-taped vignette at Battle in the Valley, challenging Hiromu Takahashi to a match.