Life & Style

WWE wrestler Mustafa Ali criticised for not displaying Pakistani flag

Ali shared he does not care for nationality, but for unity

Rahul Aijaz January 25, 2017

PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI: Mustafa Ali made headlines when he joined the WWE late last year. Since his debut, he has been nothing but impressive, having piled up several victories on 205 Live and recently on Raw (as part of a six-man tag match).

Where it is refreshing to see him as a face (good guy) character with no stereotypical backstory, Pakistani fans are complaining about how Ali is not being patriotic enough by not having a Pakistani flag displayed on his entrance or costume.

Pakistan’s Mustafa Ali defeats Israeli competitor in WWE

Ali finally took to Facebook to address the issue. He shared that he fights for a ground-breaking character that will help people of all backgrounds prosper and move past limitations of preconceived ideas. “Pakistani fan: Why don't you have the Pakistani flag on display during your entrance? Me: I don't care for nationality. I care for unity,” Ali wrote.

[fbpost link="https://www.facebook.com/MustafaAliWWE/posts/10154505443224139"]

It must be noted that most foreign wrestlers in WWE are presented stereotyped heels (bad guy) who hate America and then are toppled by the native hero. It is unfortunate to see that despite Ali’s character breaking those typecasts, his Pakistani fans have found something to criticise.

Even on this clarification, many were adamant that he should wear the flag. Some even said he sold out upon joining WWE. This led Ali to once again elucidate. “I don't mean to offend anyone. This is just me stating that I feel nationality doesn't define us as people, it separates us,” he said.

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Ali wants everyone to feel that their background isn't something that would hold them back. “I'm not trying to just represent one country. This is so much bigger than that. I don't 'represent' any country. I represent unity. Yes, my family is from Pakistan. Yes, I was born in America. None of that defines me. Cool?” he stated.

Upon further criticism on the same post, Ali shared the comment of one of the fans who understood his point.

SCREENGRAB

Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below.

COMMENTS (7)

Chowdhury | 1 year ago | Reply These guys always want everyone to show representation. To prove something lol.

Mohsin Rehman | 7 years ago | Reply Indians represent their country and have billions of fans in their countries have names like bahubali every superstar represents his country badshah khan represents Pakistan and have respect move then any wrestler in Pakistan and across the world if u do so millions of fans will be added to your list plz just have name of ur country in your ring announcement Pakistan will follow you as other countries do

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Mohsin Rehman | 7 years ago | Reply Badshah khan represents Pakistani nation and have respect more then any wrestler

Someone | 7 years ago | Reply @Ali S: Neither does being Indian justify any respect. If you are in the U.S., you are just American.

Raziuddin Syed | 7 years ago | Reply Unimaginable that you dont like to highlight your and your parents native country. One who is unpatriotic to his or her country is indeed ungrateful. Portraying unity is something very nice but who else is there in the world sports who ignores his own native country in any achievement?

Danish | 7 years ago | Reply Leave him alone , WWE has writers who create superstar gimmicks and their stories . They dont think in terms of Pakistani / Indian / Bangladeshi .

Ali S | 7 years ago | Reply He's born in the US, he's an American of Pakistan origin. If I were born in US I'd also make every effort to hide my Pakistani nationality - let's face it, being a Pakistani doesn't deserve respect given our country's (mostly justified) international reputation.

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