Mustafa Ali left TNA Lockdown with fractured ribs and a punctured lung—but the terrifying injury didn’t happen during the match’s biggest crash.
Fans suspected Ali was injured when Jason Hotch launched himself from the top of the cage, driving Ali through a table below. According to Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez, that wild moment wasn’t responsible. The damage came during an otherwise routine bump somewhere else in the match. Alvarez explained:
“Apparently, whatever it was that resulted in Ali fracturing his ribs and puncturing his lung, it was not the high-cross spot off the top of the cage. It was, as is often the case in wrestling, just some random bump in the match.”
That is the brutal reality of professional wrestling. The move designed to look like a human car wreck apparently wasn’t what sent Ali to the hospital—a standard bump did the damage instead.
Ali still defeated Hotch at Lockdown to become a two-time TNA International Champion. He later appeared from a hospital bed during the August 27 episode of TNA iMPACT and offered Hotch an opportunity to rejoin Order 4.
The injury has already forced Ali to scrap multiple September bookings. He announced that he cannot compete for ACW in Melbourne, Australia, or Community Pro Wrestling in Glasgow, Scotland. Ali apologized directly to the fans affected by the cancellations:
“Unfortunately, I will not be able to compete for ACW in Melbourne, Australia, and for Community Pro Wrestling in Glasgow, Scotland, in September. My sincere apologies. Hope to make it up to everyone soon.”
TNA has not announced a timetable for Ali’s return, and there has been no indication that he will vacate the International Championship. For now, his new title reign is on hold while he recovers from injuries caused by a moment most viewers may not have noticed.
What do you think about Mustafa Ali suffering such serious injuries from a routine bump instead of the cage dive? Leave your feedback and let us know.
