'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Ever since SmackDown moved to Friday nights on FOX, the show has been pretty underwhelming save for a few interesting storylines involving Daniel Bryan, The Fiend and bizarrely, the fascinatingly odd couple of Otis and Mandy Rose.
With a roster so thin and lacking of fresh and interesting stars, Mustafa Ali's absence from weekly programming has been strange.
He is one of WWE's most talented guys, with a breathtaking moveset, captivating promo skills, and a fresh take on a modern wrestler.
For weeks on end, Mustafa Ali ended up being the opening dark match before SmackDown began, sparking his motto, "steal the show before the show". His last televised match came almost two and a half months ago.
On last week's episode of SmackDown, a weird static appeared multiple times on screen. It could be a glitch, but it could also be the gateway for a debut or return on the Blue brand. Sportskeeda's Gary Cassidy has theorized that it could signal Ali's WWE return.
Whether it is the former 205 Live star or not, his return is due and would make Friday nights much more interesting.
Here are five ways WWE could bring Mustafa Ali back into the fold on SmackDown.
#5 Feuding with Sheamus
Since his long-awaited return, Sheamus has targetted some of the smaller Superstars on SmackDown. His first match back was a victory over Shorty G on the Royal Rumble kickoff show, before beating the former Olympian a couple more times.
Most recently, the Celtic Warrior defeated Shorty G and Apollo Crews in a handicap match. He will enter the Elimination Chamber match, presumably for a shot at The Fiend's Universal Championship. But beyond that, Sheamus needs a challenge.
Enter Mustafa Ali, another "small guy" who could be the logical step up for the Irishman. A match between the two would no doubt be a belter, with Ali likely to do everything possible to make Sheamus look like a killer.
#4 Joining Sami Zayn and co
One thing that has been clear during Mustafa Ali's absence is his frustration at not being used on TV. This aspect could be played up during his return, with tempers sensationally boiling over. Ali could do the unthinkable upon return, and turn heel.
At first glance, Mustafa Ali turning heel does not seem like a good idea. But did we think the likes of Daniel Bryan and Sami Zayn would ever do so? The latter is currently playing the role of a manager on SmackDown, an obnoxious loudmouth at that too.
Zayn is doing a fine job at bigging up Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura, two criminally underutilized talents. While the group does not have an official name, WWE could help cement them as a force with another addition. They could be a more successful version of the League of Nations.
He wouldn't need Zayn to cut promos for him, but Mustafa Ali joining Cesaro and Nakamura would legitimize the group. It would be a classic case of 'If you can't beat them, join them', but there is just something appealing about three disgruntled talents running roughshod on SmackDown.
#3 Winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
Perhaps, Mustafa Ali's return could be held off until WrestleMania. While it would be on the Kickoff Show, winning the annual battle royal on his return could be the beginning of Ali's redemption after a turbulent year or so. It will still be at the Raymond James Stadium for the world to see.
The former 'Heart of 205 Live' is a solid contender for the Andre trophy this year, if WWE will actually be serious with this match for once. As long as there is no celebrity involvement, this year's battle royal winner should be somebody that will be pushed going forward because that is what this match should do, instead of being a random throwaway match only useful for a pop when two Saturday Night Live personalities attempt to throw Braun Strowman out of the ring.
The main roster is way too stacked for WWE to pass on giving somebody some actual momentum. Mustafa Ali winning the battle royal could help redefine this match, as it becomes a star-builder every WrestleMania.
#2 Entering the Elimination Chamber
Because wouldn't that just make the world of sense?
Mustafa Ali's soaring momentum on SmackDown was stunted around 12 months ago when an eye injury ruled him out of the Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship. He was set to make a huge impact in the match, even coming close to victory.
Ali's opportunity was taken from him and given to Kofi Kingston. We all know how that turned out. The New Day member had the run of his career, garnering overwhelming fan support as he went on to dethrone Daniel Bryan and win the WWE Championship, at WrestleMania.
That could have been Mustafa Ali's moment. So what better place to restart his rise to the top than the very match that began his stagnation in WWE?
Sheamus has already declared himself for the SmackDown Elimination Chamber match so if registrations are open, save one for the one who had his cancelled last year. It will be a nice redemption story.
Ali does not even need to win the match, his presence alone will hopefully set him on the path to eventual glory.
#1 Being the light
Despite his extended absence from TV, Mustafa Ali has remained positive, constantly speaking on how he wants to "be the light" for others. He could showcase that authentic side of his on SmackDown. Being the light could mean many things and could go in a number of different directions.
The obvious option that comes to mind is a Darkness vs Light feud with "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt. Ali is one of the few Superstars charismatic enough to hang with Wyatt in the build-up to a match between the two. There is no chance he will win, but it would be another fun contest for The Fiend.
Another option could see Mustafa Ali light the way for others. He could be the anti-Bray Wyatt, whose effect on his opponents could change them for the better. The one Superstar who needs changing more than anyone on SmackDown also happens to be Ali's tag team partner in his last TV match, Shorty G.
This current gimmick of his is more damaging than empowering, showcasing the former Olympian as a complete dork. Ali could help bring change to him, ridding him of the supposed mid-life crisis he is on and making him Chad Gable again.
Gable is an excellent talent who could excel in WWE if he wasn't turned into a mockery. This would be the perfect use of Mustafa Ali as an inspiration and a proponent for change among his fellow Superstars. The two of them could be an excellent babyface tag team as well.
