[XL]

Originally Posted by XL More details have emerged regarding Ali’s request for a release, specifically around the creative pitch that lead to an alleged “heated disagreement” between Ali and Vince McMahon himself. It’s said that Vince had a detailed plan that would have seen Ali completely repackaged and would have incorporated a number of other talents on the roster. The idea would have seen Ali receive another name change. There was also creative to involve Aliyah - hence her TV presence and win over Natalya in recent weeks. There were a number of points of contention between the parties over the creative direction of the pitch. There was said to be an eleborate set piece that would see Ali rescuing Aliyah from a “difficult situation” leading to a chase through the backstage area escaping via what was described as parkour-like manoeuvres. This was the first issue as this is very close to what Reggie has been doing over on the Raw brand. Ali is not trained in parkour and feared he’d come off as “second rate” in comparison to Reggie. Further plans called for Ali to gain a sidekick character who was described as “charismatic”, “wise-cracking” and “fast-talking”. There were a number of talents touted in this role including Montez Ford, Titus O’Neil, NXT 2.0’s Trick Williams, and Cesaro. Again Ali was said to be “underwhelmed” having recently teamed with Mansoor, and following the stable with Retribution as he wants to work on his singles career for now. There were concerns over the romance angle between Ali and Aliyah. Ali has been married since 2011 and has 3 children and was not taken with the idea of an onscreen romance. This however was the idea that “Ali would never have done”. It’s said that this part of the pitch was direct from Bruce Pritchard who was said to have been “reaching into the past” and pitched for Ali to have an animal companion in the vein of Jake Roberts and Damian, Koko B. Ware and Frankie, and Davey Boy Smith and Matilda (the bulldog). This was the idea that “Ali would never have done” as the pitch called for the companion to be a monkey. Ali has Pithecophobia - an irrational fear of monkeys. As far as Bruce - and therefore Vince - was concerned, this was “make or break” for the gimmick. Many backstage have viewed this as a rib on Ali from Vince directly as he apparently knew of the phobia. Further ideas would have seen Jinder Mahal cast in a villainous role opposite Ali (complete with a parrot to oppose Ali’s monkey) and a huge “top level talent style entrance” at this year’s WrestleMania where Ali, Aliyah, the sidekick (and the monkey) would have entered on a huge flying carpet. The source is quoted as saying “Vince’s grandkids were watching the live action remake of Aladdin a couple of weekends ago”.

Originally Posted by Senpai Seph There is no way that's real. I believe like 98% of these stories about the bullshit ideas they have from time to time. But nope. That right there ain't it. That's a joke referencing that time Ali wanted to play Aladdin in the live action remake. Come on, he's Aladdin, she's Jasmine, the monkey is Apu and they ride a carpet? lololol https://www.wwe.com/article/mustafa-...n?sf97392890=1

Originally Posted by Senpai Seph Weird that he wanted to play Aladdin considering his fear on monkeys. Wonder how he thought that was gonna work out?