Kofi Kingston & Mustafa Ali Have Vanished From WWE TV Because...

Here's what's been going on with Kingston and Ali, who haven't been seen in weeks.

Kofi Kingston Mustafa Ali
WWE

Kofi Kingston and Mustafa Ali are both currently off WWE television for the same reason - paternity leave.

Fightful Select notes that the latter's ongoing absence from SmackDown was planned ahead of the birth of his daughter, Dua, whom the former RETRIBUTION leader welcomed to the world last week. Kingston, meanwhile, is also on agreed paternity leave, as his wife gave birth to daughter Lotus Selene last Tuesday.

There is currently no word when either wrestler shall return to WWE television.

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With regards to Ali, while he had asked for time away from WWE in advance, he was originally scheduled to be at the Survivor Series 2021 pay-per-view on 21 November. He ended up not being needed for that show as WWE decided it already had enough names for the night's Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson tribute battle royal, which was won by Omos.

Mustafa last wrestled on WWE television on SmackDown's 29 October episode, teasing a gimmick change after a two-minute loss to Drew McIntyre.

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Kingston, meanwhile, last worked a TV match on the same SD episode, teaming with New Day partner King Woods to defeat The Usos.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.