10 WWE Wrestlers Who Grabbed The Brass Ring In 2018
7. Mustafa Ali
A low-key Cruiserweight Classic highlight in 2016, Mustafa Ali has thrived since 205 Live went from Vince McMahon's 'Little Guy Raw' to the Triple H-helmed workrate playground it should've been from day one, though Cedric Alexander and Buddy Murphy remain the oft-neglected show's top stars.
While Ali's WrestleMania 34 clash with Alexander was sullied by an on-the-nose 'Heart vs. Soul' narrative, his grimy back alley promos during the build revealed him as a surprisingly excellent talker. Mustafa's athletic talents were already known, but the 32-year-old was fast emerging as a fully three-dimensional performer, and while he remains 205's ultimate bridesmaid, the role suits him.
Ali busts a gut every time he steps through the ropes. Highlighted by their fantastic No DQ scrap back in July, the Murphy series remains his finest work, though it's hard to remember a time when an Ali match disappointed. He's the real deal.
Whether or not his efforts will eventually result in an increased push on WWE's Cruiserweight show remains to be seen, but he has done everything in his power to enhance his position on the talent totem pole.