In the midst of Mustafa Ali requesting his WWE release, reports have emerged stating that Brian Kendrick has also asked to leave the company.
On January 16th Mustafa Ali posted a video on social media revealing that he had requested his release from WWE. The star had been absent from television for a number of months, and it was unclear as to when he would be returning. While it was initially suggested that his absence had been related to paternity leave, it was later revealed that Ali only asked to miss one show.
In the clip, Ali said that he felt he wouldn’t be able to fulfil his ambitions while working for WWE.
Despite this, a report from Fightful Select has claimed that Ali will not be leaving the company. Although many had expected Ali’s request to be granted, after the two sides discussed the issue, the SmackDown star was informed that his request wouldn’t be granted.
It was also noted that Ali’s deal has multiple years remaining. Fightful adds that the term “value” was used frequently during discussions, although it remains unclear as to why Ali will now be staying.
Now Mike Johnson of PWInsider has reported that former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Brian Kendrick has also requested his release from the promotion.
The Brian Kendrick last wrestled in WWE on an episode of 205 Live back in October 2020. Since then the veteran has worked backstage for the company as a producer on both NXT and 205 Live. The report adds that Kendrick hasn’t been seen at tapings for shows in some time and has been waiting for a response to his request for at least six weeks.
The Man With A Plan was originally trained by Shawn Michaels before embarking on a career where he became an icon on the independent scene where he was known as Spanky. Kendrick spent several spells in TNA, Ring Of Honor, and New Japan Pro Wrestling before returning to WWE for the fourth time in 2014.