In the initial stages of my career, I was actually hiding behind a mask to hide who I was, but I was getting frustrated. I wasn't getting better bookings; I wasn't competing at bigger events. Mustafa Ali More Quotes by Mustafa Ali More Quotes From Mustafa Ali I have priorities in supporting vulnerable communities, i thought first I'd be patient and see what the administration would focus on, but I have not seen or heard any indication the administration plans to work with vulnerable communities as it relates to environmental protection. Mustafa Ali politics Nothing hits harder than that: nothing more frustrating than your body giving up on you before your heart does. Mustafa Ali nothing you body heart There are no limitations. There are no barriers. Nothing can stop you, and nothing can define you but you. Mustafa Ali stop nothing you barriers When I was trying to achieve my goal, I started training. I became a character, and everyone was expecting me to become the 'Prince of...' or the Middle-Eastern, and I wanted to wear a mask, and I wanted to be like a luchador from Mexico. And people asked me, 'Why are you putting a mask on?' And the truth is, I did not want to deal with who I was. Mustafa Ali me you truth character My entire life, I've had one mission to prove. It doesn't matter what your name is. It doesn't matter where you're from. It doesn't matter what the color of your skin is. All that matters is what's in your heart. Mustafa Ali name you heart life It's very hard to be a family man, a father, a husband, an independent wrestler, and a police officer. Mustafa Ali man police family father My dad is really the reason I have this hard work ethic. I can fully remember him leaving home at 5 o'clock in the morning and not coming back until midnight. Mustafa Ali hard-work work home morning At a young age, I was very aware I was different and not perceived in a good way. For a lot of my adolescence, I struggled with that, trying to identify where I belong and who my real friends are. Mustafa Ali good friends age way I don't portray a terrorist. The American fans label me a terrorist. It doesn't matter what I claim to be: in their eyes, I am whatever they say I am despite the fact that I'm not committing any 'acts of terror.' I ask you, how am I portraying a terrorist? Because I look like a Muslim? Mustafa Ali i-am eyes me you As a child, I was a victim of bullying because of my cultural background. I didn't look like all the other kids. I had a funny name. Mustafa Ali child look bullying funny I've always had this sense of responsibility to do what I can to help fix the world and help make this a better place to live. Mustafa Ali live better responsibility world My name doesn't exactly shout 'babyface.' Mustafa Ali shout exactly name There were days I'd wrestle at 9 o'clock, and afterward, I often didn't shower and would just throw on sweatpants. I had my police gear in the car and would rush to get to the station by 10:30, clean myself off as best I could, and be ready for my shift by 10:59. Mustafa Ali best myself car police I want to change how people perceived me when I came over here, change how the people perceive South-East Asians or Middle Eastern or Muslim or Hindu or whatever their identity is. I want them to just let that go and treat the performer as a performer. Mustafa Ali me change identity people I'm out here for opportunity and championship and a belt that spells my name, but on a bigger stage, my bigger goal, my mindset is to completely eliminate any doubt in some of the minds that, 'Hey I don't want to take my dream to WWE. Where I'm from, what I believe in, it could cause any trouble.' Mustafa Ali name dream opportunity believe I did not want people to know that I was a Muslim; I did not want people to know my name or that I did not have an American name. I did not want that. Because I knew if they knew that, they would cast me as the bad guy. Mustafa Ali name bad me people I won't tell you that I'm lucky to be here because I know I'm skilled, and I know I'm talented in the ring. That doesn't mean that I don't appreciate the opportunity. Mustafa Ali know you appreciate opportunity I feel like I'm a guy you can give the ball to, and I'll run with it. Mustafa Ali feel run like you I want people to hear the name Mustafa Ali and want them to know that I'm a proud American. I'm from here, I'm from Chicago; I'm just like one of you. Mustafa Ali name you proud people My message to everyone is that we truly are one, and the minute you see me as the person, not just as the Muslim - when you see me as Adeel Alam and not just the character on TV - when you see past all of that, we are all the same, and we are all just one. Mustafa Ali me you character past
