Released WWE Star Makes Debut In New Promotion

Controversial former WWE act adds new name to his "Hit" list.

by Michael Sidgwick
Top Dolla
WWE.com

Several WWE talents were released back in September; now that those 90 day no-compete clauses have since expired, the first has made their debut for a new promotion.

The former Top Dolla, AJ Francis, appeared for Game Changer Wrestling at GCW Holiday Bash on December 21. Under a mask, he attacked former AEW act Joey Janela before the reveal.

It was perhaps unlikely that Francis would debut for All Elite Wrestling, even if 2023 has reminded fans of the old "never say never" industry maxim several times over; Francis performed a diss track in which the Young Bucks and their apparent taste in sneakers were the subject. On that basis, a Hit Row reunion was likely not on the cards.

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Mustafa Ali also released a well-received "campaign"-style video yesterday in which, drawing inspiration from the famous Cody Rhodes list of 2016, he teased potential exciting future matches with Alex Shelly, El Hijo del Vikingo, Matt Cardona, Will Ospreay, Speedball Mike Bailey, Zack Sabre, Jr., and Swerve Strickland.

The former Dolph Ziggler, Nic Nemeth, has meanwhile issued a challenge to Ray González for WWC Euphoria in Puerto Rico.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!