Latest news with #CedricAlexander
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mustafa Ali Says Scrapped Plans Led To Positive Change In His TNA Storyline
Mustafa Ali is very proud of what TNA has allowed him to do with his 'Order 4' storyline. Ali spoke with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard to promote TNA's Slammiversary pay-per-view. There, Ali will rekindle his rivalry with Cedric Alexander, with whom he shared some classic battles on WWE's RAW and 205 Live brands. Ali reflected on their past rivalry and was asked how they can not only revisit the feud, but also make sure it's a fresh take too. Ali said that was exactly their mindset going into, trying to figure out the stakes of what the storyline could be. '[We said,] 'How do we build this as more than just a WrestleMania rematch? What are the stakes?'' Ali said, noting that he's never beaten Alexander, but a win could go a long way. 'If [I am] able to beat him, surely TNA Management now has to reconsider [me] as a contender or at least in contention for the World Title again.' That was the psychology of it. That's what we are trying to go to.' Mustafa Ali shares the 'why' of Order 4 Ali didn't want to just pit himself and Alexander as past opponents, and the feud needed to have more meaning in TNA. 'I have immense respect for him. He is a friend. And that's another layer of the story that we failed, timing-wise, to deliver. I should've taken it. I wanted the fans to understand how much Order 4 and the Campaign, and becoming this leader, means to me. It means so much that within wrestling, I don't have a lot of friends. Cedric is one of my few friends,' Mustafa Ali said. 'I'm willing to sacrifice this friendship. I have no issues with Cedric Alexander. I love that man. That man is a brother. But I'm willing to sacrifice my friendship with him for a greater good. 'And I believe me as a leader in TNA, I truly believe I can bring good. And I'm not just talking about like from a character point of view. I'm talking about actual power. I can make sure those that don't have opportunities get opportunities, make sure the underprivileged or the overlooked are no longer overlooked. I want to make sure that the right person is doing the right job,' Ali added. 'That's the actual 'why' of what Order 4 is.' Mustafa Ali says creative plans caused a change in Order 4's direction Ali was asked to highlight something that deserves more focus. He said that while he is proud of what TNA has allowed him to do with Order 4, it wasn't the original plan. He made sure each member of the group — John Skyler, Jason Hotch and Tasha Steelz — weren't 'just backup.' 'To pull the curtain back a little bit, this internal conflict of Order 4 becoming this combustible element, this wasn't the plan. Something had happened, something was planned, and that plan fell through. So, we had about a month to fill,' Mustafa Ali explained. 'And this was post-Mike Santana after Rebellion. And there was no immediate creative for this group. But obviously, they wanted this group on the show. They wanted me on the show. So, I'm very very proud that I took [charge], I made it a point that each member of Order 4, John Skyler, Jason Hotch, Tasha Steelz, they were more than just backup.' Ali wants people to talk about how well-rounded Order 4 has become Ali pointed out all of the layers in storytelling, like how Jason Hotch is a nice guy in a bad spot, just trying to make ends meet. John Skyler is conflicted because Hotch's ideals don't align with his, and he's conflicted. Tasha Steelz was positioned as a 'damsel in distress,' but recently showed just how much she pulls the strings behind the scenes. 'That's something I wish people talked about more. Look at these three backup characters that now have full-fledged, in-depth layers,' Ali said. 'We still have these underlying issues, just like families do every day. Just like groups, just like organizations. People work at places all the time where they don't get along. So, I am taking that element of it. And we are still going to go forward with this group. And the stories that can come from it in the future, immediately. Who knows? Right? But that's something that I am very, very proud of recently. Because it just happened and it was literally a situation where like, 'Well, plan A fell through. What do we got?' I was like, 'What if we focused this. What if instead of feuding with someone, the feud was internal?' And this is what we got. And I am very proud of that.' TNA Slammiversary takes place at the UBS Arena on Long Island on Sunday, July 20. Read More: The post Mustafa Ali Says Scrapped Plans Led To Positive Change In His TNA Storyline appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cedric Alexander is betrayed in TNA swerve
Cedric Alexander has been on TNA television for three weeks, and he's already been betrayed. Alexander was called in by Tasha Steelz to talk sense to the increasingly unhinged Mustafa Ali. That led to TNA booking a WrestleMania rematch for Slammiversary. Alexander had a taste of action on Thursday night Impact (July 10, 2025). Too bad for him that it ended with a low blow from behind. Alexander was joined by the Great Hands with Tasha Steelz ringside for six-man tag team action. Their opponents were Ali's secret service bodyguards, which were basically nameless local talent. Alexander earned the win via Lumbar Check backbreaker. The real drama came after the match. Ali tried to sneak attack Alexander with a chair. When Alexander juked to counter for the Lumbar Check, Steelz shocked the Impact Zone by saving Ali with a low blow to Alexander. Steelz walked out with Ali trailing behind. Outside, Steelz went boss lady on Ali and the boys. The dynamic of power shifted to Steelz in charge as Order 4 obeyed. Steelz explained that she is sick of Ali's leadership that has led nowhere. She called Alexander as a ploy to play them all. Steelz knew that Alexander would come in to save her. She doesn't need saving. When Ali felt lied to, Steelz mentioned how her plan got him a marquee match on Slammiversary. It's time for the Order 4 to get back on the same page and become the greatest faction in TNA history. The System overheard that conversation and stepped to Order 4 with a challenge for next week. Steelz accepted without hesitation. Wow. I did not see this swerve coming so soon. Steelz flipped the switch to become the leader of Order 4 now. Technically, Ali is still in charge, but it will be interesting to see how this business relationship evolves with Steelz pulling the strings. Share your thoughts on Tasha Steelz betraying Cedric Alexander in TNA. More from Not everyone is marking out about Eva Marie's return Mansoor's Raw Debut was classic WWE Is this who caught Lilly's eye? Former WWE champs face off on (checks notes) Main Event Yes, Angel Garza shoved a rose up Drew Gulak's butt on Raw Raw recap & reactions: Flip the switch Flair already added to title match at WrestleMania Backlash EVA MARIE IS BACK
Newsweek
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Superstar Teases AEW Move
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Cedric Alexander has not ruled out an eventual move to AEW, despite having recently made his debut for TNA Wrestling. In a new interview, Alexander addressed the widespread fan speculation about a potential reunion with his former Hurt Business stablemates. While he is focused on his new path in TNA, he made it clear that nothing is off the table for the future. His comments will surely keep fans buzzing about where he might ultimately land. "Nothing Is Off The Table" Speaking on the Busted Open radio show, Cedric Alexander was asked about the rumors of him joining The Hurt Syndicate in AEW. He said he is happy that fans are speculating about his future, but his current priority is establishing himself as a singles star in TNA. "It's good to get people talking," Alexander said. "I'm glad people were wondering what can happen, cause that adds to the excitement of it all. Nothing is off the table, but right now I'm focused on me, focused on carving my own path, and being my own man, so to speak." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation The Hurt Business: A Dominant Past The fan desire for a reunion stems from the massive success of the original faction in WWE. Known as The Hurt Business, the group, consisting of MVP, Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and Cedric Alexander, was one of the most dominant and popular acts during the "ThunderDome Era" of 2020 and 2021. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: Nia Jax and Bianca Belair in action during Smackdown at Pechanga Arena on January 17, 2025 in San Diego, California. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: Nia Jax and Bianca Belair in action during Smackdown at Pechanga Arena on January 17, 2025 in San Diego, California. WWE/Getty Images With their sharp suits and legitimate fighting credentials, they ran roughshod over the Raw roster. At their peak, they held the WWE Championship (Lashley) and the Raw Tag Team Championships (Benjamin and Alexander) simultaneously. The group's sudden and widely criticized breakup by WWE creative is seen by many as a major missed opportunity, which is why fans are so eager to see them reunite. The Hurt Syndicate: A New Chapter in AEW That reunion has partially happened in AEW. Led by MVP, "The Hurt Syndicate" features Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, who are the reigning AEW World Tag Team Champions. The group recently and reluctantly allowed the controversial former AEW World Champion, MJF, into their ranks. With the group thriving in AEW, Alexander, who was released from WWE, seemed like the logical final piece of the puzzle. He recently made a surprise debut for TNA Wrestling, competing in a high-profile match against Mustafa Ali at the Slammiversary pay-per-view. While his current focus is on TNA, Alexander's comments have left the door wide open for a potential jump to AEW to complete the reunion down the line. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
See - Sada Elbalad
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
WWE Releases Sonya Deville, Blair Davenport, AOP Faction
On Saturday, WWE shocked the world by making unexpected releases. Duke Hudson, who was released earlier, was a big question for the fans as there were no reports about upcoming releases. Two hours later, Cedric Alexander announced on X that he was released. In the same context, Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp reported that WWE Hall of Famer and legendary manager Paul Ellering, as well as The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) (AOP) were released. They were released before in 2020, before making their return to the company in 2023. Sonya Deville was informed that her contract will not be renewed and her release from WWE shocked the locker room as she is a part of the developing story with Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler as Pure Fusion Collective faction. Blair Davenport also was part of the latest releases. It could be speculated that she was not booked for the Women's Royal Rumble this year, as she hasn't wrestled since November.
