10 Wrestlers BANNED From Getting Over
1. Every Wrestler WWE Would Not Release
In 2018, at the Needham conference, then-WWE Co-President George Barrios said "[The talent is] under agreement, but both parties could terminate them in pretty short order. So we're not trying to lock anyone up. It has to work for both parties."
In 2019, All Elite Wrestling formed.
FTR, in a bid to finally work that programme with the Young Bucks, salvage their artistic legacy and get over again, requested their release. This was denied in pretty short order by one party. WWE then said to FTR that they'd make a renewed effort to improve and focus on the tag team division.
Shawn Spears was successful in securing his release, which gave Brodie Lee an idea. He too tweeted an exit statement under the impression that he could terminate his agreement in pretty short order. He too wanted to make something of a once very promising career and get over in a promotion that would give him the best shot of doing so on his own terms.
Only, his request was denied. Before his tragic passing, Brodie Lee told Chris Jericho on Talk Is Jericho that Triple H intervened and said they couldn't do it, saying that, optically, it would seem as if the rats were trying to flee the sinking ship. Like FTR, a loose (and unfilled) promise was floated his way: hey Luke, maybe we can allow you to work New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Mustafa could yet leave - maybe he just needs to approach the request more Positive-Ali!!