Aliyah says she’d love a WWE return, talks AEW and TNA options, nixed WWE storylines


Posted on 8/22/125 by Phil Johnson

Former WWE star Aliyah (Nhooph Al-Areebi) joined
PWMania.com’s Andy London for Part 2 of an exclusive in-
depth interview, where she opened up about her dream of
wrestling in the Middle East, pulled WWE storylines, and her
future across WWE, AEW, and TNA. You can read the entire
interview by clicking here.

Here are some highlights:

On the dream of wrestling in the Middle East:

"I definitely want to wrestle in the Middle East and be the
first Arab woman to do so. Wrestling in Saudi Arabia has
always been a dream. And I hear that’s where Royal Rumble is
going to be next? What a time to be alive, am I right? Can
you imagine the reaction? That will wake ‘em up — it would
feel like coming full circle, especially since my dad raced
horses there. That connection makes it deeply personal."

On nixed WWE storylines:

"There were so many storylines and matches I wish had
happened — it’s hard to count. Often, ideas would be pitched
or even partially approved, but the final decision always
came down to someone else. Sometimes I’d be given a pay-per-
view spot, and it wouldn’t get announced, or it would get
announced and then taken away almost immediately. At the end
of the day I can only control what I can."

On her future in wrestling and the possibility of WWE, AEW,
or TNA:

"Of course I still want to wrestle and make it my career.
But I also have to do what’s sustainable for me and my
future. The cost of being a professional wrestler is intense
— health insurance, training, supplements, gear, travel,
even dog sitters, it all adds up.

To perform at my best, it has to be the right offer. I
really admire what Tony Khan has built for the wrestlers at
AEW — the media doesn’t give him enough credit. I’d also
love the opportunity to return to WWE, whether that’s on the
main roster or NXT. As for TNA, I hope they secure a weekly
TV deal, because that would make the pay competitive and
open real opportunities for talent. I just know I have so
much more to give."

Aliyah also reflected on emotional fan interactions, her
favorite WWE moments, and the behind-the-scenes experiences
she may one day save for a book. You can check out the
complete interview at this link.


Return To Pro Wrestling Between The Sheets Message Board