Special Guest Referee Mustafa Ali Breaks Silence on His Controversial Decisions in the NXT North American Championship Match

In the aftermath of the NXT North American Championship match between Wes Lee and Tyler Bate, special guest referee Mustafa Ali has come forward to defend his controversial decisions.

“Judge the intention behind the action,” Ali said when asked about his seemingly inconsistent counts during the match. He explained that his aim was to motivate the two competitors to give their all and deliver a show-stopping performance.

Ali justified his fast count at the beginning of the match as a reminder to the wrestlers that the match could end at any time. On the other hand, his slow counts were meant to remind them to put all their weight and momentum into every move.

The match ended with Wes Lee on the floor and Tyler Bate unconscious in the ring. Ali, refusing to let the match end in a no contest, stepped up and counted Bate out. “I gave the NXT Universe what they wanted to see, a show stealing performance. And the better man won,” Ali stated, congratulating both Wes Lee and himself for a job well done.