Mustafa Ali captured the TNA International Championship at TNA Rebellion and followed up the victory with a provocative open challenge on social media, calling out independent wrestlers worldwide and telling the TNA roster to “kiss my ass.” The challenge immediately generated buzz across wrestling circles as fans and peers weighed in on who might step up.

One fan responded by pointing to reports of TNA pulling talent who were booked against AEW wrestlers at recent events and questioned why AEW competitors couldn’t answer Ali’s challenge. Ali replied on social media, pushing back on the criticism and reiterating his call for independent talent to take him on.
Originally reported by Fightful: https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mustafa-ali-responds-to-fan-upset-that-aew-wrestlers-cant-answer-his-open-challenge-to-independent-wrestlers.

Former WWE writer and on-screen star Brian “Road Dogg” James and AEW veteran Billy Gunn offered their takes on the role of celebrities in professional wrestling, discussing how outside names can impact the business. Drawing on decades of in-ring and creative experience, both men examined the balance between attracting mainstream attention and preserving the credibility of regular talent.

While acknowledging that celebrity appearances can provide valuable publicity and crossover appeal, Road Dogg and Gunn emphasized the need for thoughtful integration that supports long-term storytelling and wrestler development. Their perspectives underscore a common industry view: celebrities can be assets when used sparingly and strategically, but promoters must guard the core product and the performers who make it successful.

Originally reported by Wrestling Inc.: https://www.wrestlinginc.com/2144887/wwe-writer-road-dogg-aew-billy-gun-celebrities-wrestling/.