The first time I had the opportunity to see Prince Mustafa Ali was in 2008 at IWA-Mid South in Sellersburg, IN. Actually I remember what show it was very vividly. It was July 26, 2008–IWA Mid-South Wrestling – Gory Days 4 (Home, Sweet Home). That night he took on Jason Hades for the IWA-MS Light Heavyweight Title. Although, Ali came up short, he left a big impression on me that night. First, he nearly incited a riot with his amazing ability to grip a crowd in the palm of his hand. Then, he put on one of the better matches of a card that was fantastic from top to bottom. At just 21 years of age, he was taking huge steps in becoming more than just a talented independent wrestler.
Fast forward 5 years later, and I’m consistently seeing his name come up all across the Midwest wrestling scene. From DreamWave Wrestling to Galli Lucha Libre…you name the promotion, and Ali is working there. He is also the current Proving Ground Pro Franchise Champion, holding a recent victory over the current indy wrestling darling, Michael Elgin on July 20th, 2013. I think what is appealing about Ali is something that you don’t often see in independent wrestling. He has the perfect combination of a great gimmick, believable character (that of a Middle Eastern man with opposing viewpoints to American politics), AND all the in-ring skills to make it big in this business.
Obviously I’m not the only one noticing Ali’s stellar work as it has already been announced that he will be one of the 24 participants in the 2013 IWA-Mid South Ted Petty Invitational on September 13th and 14th. This will be his second appearance in the TPI after losing in the first round to Egotistico Fantastico in 2008. Could this be the show where he proves that he is truly the best independent wrestler in the Midwest? In the more immediate future, he has another challenge looming on the horizon that cannot be ignored.
On July 13th, 2013, Prince Mustafa Ali and Christian Rose went to an EPIC 20 minute draw at DreamWave Wrestling’s “Summer Spectacular.” Now with Prince Mustafa Ali hitting #1 in the Indy Power Rankings and Christian Rose at #3 for the week of July 22nd, their rematch has taken on all new meaning and importance. Two men are battling for the recognition of “Best in the Midwest” on August 3rd at DreamWave Wrestling’s “Adversity” in LaSalle, IL. This time it’s a LUMBERJACK MATCH with JC Costilli picking the lumberjacks. Will Ali take one more step in proving that he is the Best in the Midwest or will Rose take that all important motto as his own?
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