The REAL Reason WWE Are Repackaging Ali
The former 205 Live man should return to SmackDown soon.
Former 205 Live standout Ali hasn't been seen on WWE television since Super ShowDown, where he wrestled in the convoluted 51-man battle royal. One of many wrestlers to suffer following the Wild Card Rule's implementation, he has gone from touted prospect to forgotten man, but now looks set for a major repackaging.
The following vignette aired during Sunday's Stomping Grounds pay-per-view:-
In it, Ali promises to "be the light for those lost in the night," with his presence seemingly compelling an alcoholic to pour away a bottle of booze, an arguing couple to forget their differences, and a couple of rogues to abandon their plan of mugging some suit-clad lad. It's all very 'Make a Difference' Fatu, but Ali is likeable enough to make it work.
Per PW Insider, Ali is being repackaged in order to refresh and revive his character ahead of his televised return. Having previously played a straightforward underdog babyface, it looks like Ali will be playing more a gimmicked persona going forward, and it'll be interesting to see how he adapts and evolves.
Whatever happens, let's just hope this reinvention results in more airtime for the talented star.