Mojo Rawley

Dean Muhtadi was born on July 17, 1986, in Alexandria, Virginia, the son of Talal "TJ" Muhtadi and Maria Muhtadi-Roach. Muhtadi's father is Palestinian and his mother is half-Syrian, and he has extended family through his father's side in Palestine, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and throughout the Middle East.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJv8gs6BEZc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211220/pJv8gs6BEZc |archive-date=December 20, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Mojo Rawley talks his WWE career, Arabic heritage, and Vince's headbutt |website=YouTube |date=September 15, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2019}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/style/2016/01/27/mojo-rawley/?noredirect=on|title=Dean Muhtadi was a college football star. As "Mojo Rawley," he's trying to be the next big thing in the ring |newspaper=The Washington Post |author=Mark Giannotto |date=January 27, 2016 |access-date=January 19, 2019}}

While in the seventh grade, Muhtadi began working for the financial services firm Morgan Stanley as an intern. After graduating from high school, Muhtadi continued to work for Morgan Stanley.

{{BLP unreferenced section|date=January 2018}}

At the T. C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia, Muhtadi was a four-year starter along the defensive and offensive lines. He also was the team's punter during his last two years. He finished second in the Patriot District in sacks in 2004, and broke the school's all-time punting record with a long of 76 yards against West Springfield High School.

Throughout his high school playing career, Muhtadi started games at defensive tackle, end, nose guard, and outside linebacker on defense, and at offensive tackle, guard, center, and tight end on offense. He was also the team's punter and kicker. Often his position changed every week to shadow the opposing team's best player. Muhtadi was an All-District choice at both defensive line and punter, as well as the team MVP.

In 2004 and 2005, Muhtadi played college football for Division III Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia. After redshirting his freshman season due to mononucleosis, Muhtadi started at defensive tackle for the Captains his sophomore year. He then transferred to the University of Maryland in the Atlantic Coast Conference where he earned a scholarship, and a starting position. In 2008, Muhtadi finished third in sacks for the Terrapins. He was also only the second player in the past 15 years to play all defensive line positions in a game for the Terrapins.

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| note = All values from Pro Day.{{cite web |title=Dean Muhtadi, DS #66 DT, Maryland |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=75772&DraftYear=2009 |website=DraftScout.com |access-date=March 4, 2021}}

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Muhtadi owns several of Maryland's all-time records for strength and speed:{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}

225 lb. Bench Press Test: 36 repetitions (Team Record)

40 Yard Dash: 4.78 (Defensive Tackle Record)

Power Clean: 390 lbs. (Defensive Line Record)

Vertical Jump: 36.5 inches (Defensive Line Record)

Pro Agility (20-yard shuttle): 4.37 (Defensive Line Record)

At Christopher Newport, Muhtadi was awarded a full academic scholarship. While also being named the top student-athlete on the team, Muhtadi was a two-time All USA South Athletic Conference All-Academic Selection, a member of the President's Leadership Program, Honors Program, and Student Executive Board of the Business School. He also received the Edith McMurran Honors Scholarship for the student who best demonstrates the balance of leadership, public service, and academic excellence.

In his three years at Maryland, Muhtadi was one of the top student-athletes in the Atlantic Coast Conference. In 2008, Muhtadi won the Jim and Pat Thacker Postgraduate Scholarship for being one of the top student-athletes in the ACC for all sports and all schools. In 2007 and 2008, Muhtadi also received the George Boutselis Memorial Award for being the letterman with the highest academic average on the football team. He also was named to the All-ACC Academic Team in 2008 and was a three-time Dean's List student. Muhtadi received his MBA from the Smith Business School MBA Program.{{cite web |date=February 22, 2018 |title=HYPED: Former Cardinals lineman Dean Muhtadi (AKA Mojo Rawley) living his dream in WWE |url=https://www.abc15.com/sports/sports-blogs-local/hyped-former-cardinals-lineman-dean-muhtadi-aka-mojo-rawley-living-his-dream-in-wwe |website=ABC 15 Arizona |access-date=March 1, 2021}}

Muhtadi was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent following the 2009 NFL draft on May 4, 2009.{{cite web |author=Bernard, Greg A. |title=Peckers sign Maryland DT Dean Muhammad |url=http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/44296987.html |publisher=Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel |date=May 4, 2009 |access-date=January 21, 2010}} He earned his contract on a tryout basis by being one of three players signed out of 25 trying out for the team. Muhtadi was the only player on the depth chart listed at both Defensive End and Nose Guard. On September 3, 2009, in a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, Muhtadi finished third on the team with 5 tackles, 1 for loss, and a forced fumble. Toward the end of the game, Muhtadi forced a fumble to save a touchdown. He was waived the next day.

Muhtadi was signed by the Arizona Cardinals on January 20, 2010, to play defensive line. Muhtadi became training partners with Darnell Dockett as the two competed against one another every day in workouts. He sustained a calf injury during training camp and placed on injured reserve before being released by the Cardinals.{{cite news |last1=Dilbert |first1=Ryan |date=October 12, 2017 |title=Before WWE, Mojo Rawley Was the Most Hyped Man on the Football Field |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2709767-before-wwe-mojo-rawley-was-the-most-hyped-man-on-the-football-field |work=Bleacher Report |access-date=March 1, 2021}}

Muhtadi spent 18 months rehabilitating from the injury he sustained with the Arizona Cardinals. During his recovery, he received offers to return to the NFL and to work in financial services, but instead opted to become a professional wrestler with WWE by August 2012.{{cite web|title=Staying hyped: Mojo Rawley makes his NXT debut|author=Saxton, Byron|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2013-10-16/mojo-rawley|date=October 16, 2013|access-date=May 14, 2016|publisher=WWE}}{{cite web|last=Scherer|first=Dave|title=New WWE Signings, The Next Step For Former WWE Diva|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=70993|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808131029/https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=70993|archive-date=August 8, 2022|publisher=PWInsider|date=August 11, 2012|access-date=March 9, 2014}} He joined WWE's developmental territory WWE NXT and he adopted the ring name "Mojo Rawley".{{cite web|title=Football players Baron Corbin, Mojo Rawley surprisingly reunite at WWE NXT|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/08/3490999/football-players-baron-corbin.html|author=Fishman, Scott|publisher=The McClatchy Company|work=The Miami Herald|date=July 18, 2013|access-date=January 16, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118183650/http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/08/3490999/football-players-baron-corbin.html|archive-date=January 18, 2014}}

Rawley made his television debut on the May 29, 2013, episode of NXT, competing in a battle royal that was won by Bo Dallas.{{cite web|title=WWE NXT results - 5/30/13 (#1 Contender battle royal)|author=Jason Namako|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/41777|access-date=March 9, 2014|publisher=Wrestleview}} On the October 9 episode of NXT, Rawley adopted a high-energy character based on the concept of "staying hyped"; Rawley explained that if getting hyped allowed superhuman achievements, he would take it one level higher by staying hyped.{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=James's WWE NXT report 1/15 - Week 81: Triple H makes announcement, Kofi vs. Rusev test match, NXT champ in action, Neville/PAC; Overall Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_75711.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 9, 2014}}{{cite web|title=Staying hyped: Mojo Rawley makes his NXT debut (page 2)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2013-10-16/mojo-rawley-26156760/page-2|work=WWE|access-date=March 9, 2014}} Rawley defeated CJ Parker at NXT Arrival{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2014/02/28/nxt-arrival-neville-reaches-for-the-gold/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204214706/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2014/02/28/nxt-arrival-neville-reaches-for-the-gold/ |archive-date=December 4, 2022 |title=NXT Arrival: Neville Reaches For The Gold |work=Slam Wrestling |last=Howell |first=Nolan |date=February 28, 2014 |access-date=March 6, 2014}} and then went on an unbeaten streak, defeating CJ Parker, Sylvester Lefort and Oliver Grey, among others. He also took part in a battle royal to determine the new number one contender where he made it to the final seven before being eliminated by Jason Jordan.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} On May 29, 2014, at NXT TakeOver event, Rusev beat down Rawley.{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2014/05/29/neville-tops-kidd-at-nxt-takeover/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201171358/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2014/05/29/neville-tops-kidd-at-nxt-takeover/ |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |title=Neville Tops Kidd At NXT Takeover |work=Slam Wrestling |last=Howell |first=Nolan |date=May 29, 2014 |access-date=May 30, 2014}} Rawley then formed a team with Bull Dempsey, but they lost in the 1st round of the number one contenders tournament for the tag titles, causing Dempsey to turn on Rawley. The two faced off at NXT TakeOver: Fatal 4-Way with Rawley losing, he also lost a rematch a few weeks later. In October, Rawley suffered a shoulder injury that would take him out of action for four to six months.{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-news-mojo-rawleys-shoulder-injury-is-legit-upcoming-hbk-appearance/|title=WWE News: Mojo Rawley's Shoulder Injury Is Legit, Upcoming HBK Appearance - 411MANIA|website=411mania.com}}

{{Main article|The Hype Bros}}

In June 2015, Zack Ryder debuted in NXT, and returning Rawley formed an alliance with him, dubbing themselves as The Hype Bros.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2015-06-10/wwe-nxt-results-2015-06-10-27467393|title=WWE NXT results - June 10, 2015: Samoa Joe makes his debut, Zack Ryder & Mojo Rawley join forces|work=WWE}} On the June 10 episode of NXT, The Hype Bros went on to defeat Elias Samson and Mike Rallis. On August 22 at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn, The Hype Bros teamed up with Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady to defeat Jason Jordan, Chad Gable and The Mechanics (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson) in an 8-man tag team match. On the October 16 episode of NXT, The Hype Bros competed in a match for the NXT Tag Team Championship in a losing effort.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} On the October 22 episode of NXT, Rawley competed in a 26-man battle royal to determine the number one contender for the NXT Championship, he was unsuccessful, although he was among the last few competitors in the match. On the November 11 episode of NXT, The Hype Bros teamed up with Bayley during an intergender tag team match against Blake and Murphy and Alexa Bliss, where they emerged victorious.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/97778/wwe-nxt-report-tag-title-match-bayley-and-alexa-in-six-person-tag-action-samoa-joe-explains-himself-the-ascension-are-back-next-week-and-what-is-going-on-with-nia-jax-and-eva-marie.html?p=1|title=WWE NXT REPORT: TAG TITLE MATCH, BAYLEY AND ALEXA IN SIX PERSON TAG ACTION, SAMOA JOE EXPLAINS HIMSELF, THE ASCENSION ARE BACK NEXT WEEK, AND WHAT IS GOING ON WITH NIA JAX AND EVA MARIE?|author=Trionfo, Richard|website=Pro Wrestling Insider|date=November 11, 2015|access-date=November 11, 2015}} On the February 10, 2016, episode of NXT, The Hype Bros defeated Corey Hollis and John Skyler in a tag team match.

file:Shakedown 40 (31760560056).jpg in December 2016]]

On July 19, Rawley was called up to the main roster as a supplemental pick in the 2016 WWE draft, being selected in the 11th round by SmackDown, the brand in which his partner Zack Ryder wrestled.{{cite web|title=2016 WWE Draft results: WWE officially ushers in New Era|url=http://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=July 19, 2016}} He made his main roster debut at Battleground, helping Ryder against being assaulted post-match by Rusev. On the SummerSlam pre-show, The Hype Bros teamed with American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) to face The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch), Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango), and The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) in a 12-man tag team match, where The Hype Bros' team was victorious.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} On the August 30 episode of SmackDown, they defeated The Vaudevillains to advance in the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship Tournament.{{Citation|title=The Hype Bros vs. The Vaudevillains - SmackDown Tag Team Championship Tournament Match: SmackDown Live, Aug. 30, 2016|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/the-hype-bros-vs-the-vaudevillains-smackdown-tag-team-championship-tournament-match-smackdown-live-aug-30-2016|access-date=September 21, 2016}} The Hype Bros were later eliminated by Heath Slater and Rhyno in semifinals.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2016-09-06/article/heath-slater-rhyno-def-the-hype-bros|title=Heath Slater & Rhyno def. The Hype Bros in the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Tournament|access-date=September 21, 2016}} The Hype Bros would later get a second chance to face Heath Slater and Rhyno in the final at Backlash after American Alpha were injured by The Usos, in a losing effort. On the October 25 episode of SmackDown, The Hype Bros defeated The Ascension to qualify as part of Team SmackDown for the 10–on–10 Survivor Series Tag Team Elimination match at Survivor Series.{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=10/25 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Ongoing, Real-Time Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/10/25/1025-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 25, 2016}} On the December 13 episode of SmackDown, The Hype Bros won a multi-team battle royal for a chance to take on The Wyatt Family for the titles, but Ryder sustained a knee injury, cancelling their #1 contender status.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/18275414/wwe-zack-ryder-injures-knee-no-1-contenders-battle-royal-smackdown-live|title=Zack Ryder injures knee during battle royal|work=ESPN.com|access-date=January 19, 2018|date=December 14, 2016}}

After Ryder's injury was determined, the following week on SmackDown, Rawley defeated Curt Hawkins. On the January 24, 2017, episode of SmackDown, Rawley won a battle royal to earn a spot in the 2017 Royal Rumble match.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-01-24#full-detail-40018206|title=WWE SmackDown LIVE results, Jan. 24, 2017: Intercontinental Title Lumberjack Match explodes in chaotic Royal Rumble Match prelude}} At the event, Rawley entered at number four and was eliminated by Braun Strowman. He then defeated Hawkins on the Elimination Chamber pre-show the following month.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} Rawley's biggest career win would come on the WrestleMania 33 kickoff show when with the help of then NFL's Rob Gronkowski, he won the fourth annual André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal with the last elimination of Jinder Mahal.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/article/rob-gronkowski-mojo-rawley-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal |title=Rob Gronkowski helps Mojo Rawley win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal |publisher=Wwe.com |date=April 2, 2017 |access-date=April 24, 2017}}

After six months of inactivity, Ryder returned on the June 13 episode of SmackDown, reuniting with Rawley. On June 18, at the Money in the Bank pre-show, The Hype Bros faced The Colóns (Primo and Epico Colón) in a winning effort.{{Cite news|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2017/hype-bros-colons-results|title=The Hype Bros reunite to battle the Colons in Kickoff showdown|work=WWE|access-date=June 27, 2017}} Two days later on SmackDown, Shane McMahon announced that The Hype Bros would have an opportunity to become number one contenders for the SmackDown Tag Team championship at the June 27 episode of SmackDown in a match against tag team champions The Usos, in which they were defeated.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}}

After several weeks of losing matches causing dissension between the team, both Rawley and Ryder began to claim that a change was needed.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2017-11-21/article/the-bludgeon-brothers-def-the-hype-bros|title=The Bludgeon Brothers def. The Hype Bros|work=WWE|access-date=June 17, 2018|language=en}} On the November 28 episode of SmackDown Live, after losing to The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper and Rowan), Rawley attacked Ryder, turning heel for the first time in his career.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2017/11/28/16713358/mojo-rawley-turns-on-zack-ryder-after-loss|title=Say It Ain't So Bro: Mojo Rawley turns on Zack Ryder after another loss|date=November 29, 2017}} Rawley appeared on the December 5 episode of SmackDown Live, claiming Ryder was dead weight.{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2749284-mojo-rawley-is-top-option-to-liven-up-us-title-scene-after-win-vs-zack-ryder|title=Mojo Rawley Is Top Option to Liven Up US Title Scene After Win vs. Zack Ryder|first=Mike |last=Chiari|website=Bleacher Report}} Rawley and Ryder had a match scheduled at Clash of Champions, which Rawley won.{{cite web|title=WWE Clash of Champions 2017 results, live streaming match coverage: Styles vs. Mahal|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2017/12/17/16781728/wwe-clash-of-champions-2017-results-live-streaming-matches-aj-styles-jinder-mahal-owens-zayn|publisher=Cageside Seats|last=Kain|first=Reverend|access-date=December 18, 2017|date=December 17, 2017}}

Rawley then competed in a United States Championship tournament, where he defeated Zack Ryder in the first round,{{cite web|last1=Barnett|first1=Jake|title=01/09 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: AJ Styles addressed handicap match title defense at the Royal Rumble, U.S. Title tournament continues, Bludgeon Brothers vs. The Ascension, Ruby Riott vs. Becky Lynch|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/01/09/01-09-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-aj-styles-addressed-handicap-match-title-defense-royal-rumble-u-s-title-tournament-continues-bludgeon-brothers-vs-ascension-ruby-riott-vs/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=January 9, 2018}} but lost to Bobby Roode in the semi-finals.{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 1/16: U.S. Title Tournament semi-finals with Xavier vs. Jinder, Roode vs. Mojo, Shane-Bryan drama continues|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/01/16/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-1-16/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 16, 2018}} At Royal Rumble on January 28, 2018, Rawley answered Bobby Roode's open challenge for the United States Championship, but was unsuccessful in winning the title.{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=United States Champion Bobby Roode def. Mojo Rawley (United States Championship Kickoff Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/united-states-championship-open-challenge-results|work=WWE|access-date=January 28, 2018}} As part of the Superstar Shake-up, Rawley was drafted to Raw brand.{{cite web|title=Get live results from the two-night WWE Superstar Shake-up|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/wwe-superstar-shake-up-results-2018|publisher=WWE|access-date=April 16, 2018}} On April 27, Rawley participated in the Greatest Royal Rumble, entering at number 29, but was eliminated by Randy Orton.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Greatest Royal Rumble live review: 50-man Royal Rumble match, Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns in a cage match for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship, John Cena vs. Triple H, Undertaker vs. Rusev in a casket match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/27/powells-wwe-greatest-royal-rumble-live-review-50-man-royal-rumble-match-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-in-a-cage-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-ww/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 27, 2018|access-date=April 27, 2018}} On the June 18 episode of Raw, after defeating No Way Jose, Rawley claimed that he was no longer hyped and simply focused.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: The night after Money in the Bank with MITB winner Braun Strowman, new Raw Women's Champion Alexa Bliss, the road to Extreme Rules begins|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/06/18/powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-the-night-after-money-in-the-bank-with-mitb-winner-braun-strowman-new-raw-womens-champion-alexa-bliss-the-road-to-extreme-rules-begins/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 18, 2018|access-date=June 18, 2018}} Over the following weeks on Raw, Rawley defeated No Way Jose, and Tyler Breeze several times.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=7/16 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: Brock Lesnar's WWE Universal Championship ultimatum given by Kurt Angle, the fallout from Extreme Rules, the build to WWE SummerSlam begins|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/07/16/7-16-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-brock-lesnars-wwe-universal-championship-ultimatum-given-by-kurt-angle-the-fallout-from-extreme-rules-the-build-to-wwe-summerslam-begins/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=July 16, 2018|access-date=July 17, 2018}}{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=7/23 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: Bobby Lashley vs. Roman Reigns to determine Brock Lesnar's challenger for the WWE Universal Championship at SummerSlam, Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, and Triple H's big announcement, The B-Team vs. Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt for the Raw Tag Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/07/23/7-23-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-bobby-lashley-vs-roman-reigns-to-determine-brock-lesnars-challenger-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-at-summerslam-stephanie-mcmahons-big-announcement-t/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=July 23, 2018|access-date=July 23, 2018}} Following a brief feud with Bobby Roode, Rawley found himself off Raw for an extended amount of time.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=8/6 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: Ronda Rousey vs. Alicia Fox, Raw Tag Champions Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas vs. The Revival, Mojo Rawley vs. Bobby Roode, Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Riott Squad|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/08/06/8-6-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-ronda-rousey-vs-alicia-fox-raw-tag-champions-curtis-axel-and-bo-dallas-vs-the-revival-mojo-rawley-vs-bobby-roode-sasha-banks-and-bayley-vs-riott-squad/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 6, 2018|access-date=August 7, 2018}} On the January 28, 2019, episode of Raw, Rawley began to appear in pre-recorded segments talking to an off-screen person, blaming them for his lack of success, before being revealed that he was talking to a mirror.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=1/28 Powell's WWE Raw TV Review: Royal Rumble fallout, Braun Strowman vs. Drew McIntyre, Kurt Angle vs. Baron Corbin, qualifying matches for the Elimination Chamber match that will crown the WWE Women's Tag Champions|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/01/28/1-28-powells-wwe-raw-tv-review-royal-rumble-fallout-braun-strowman-vs-drew-mcintyre-kurt-angle-vs-baron-corbin-qualifying-matches-for-the-elimination-chamber-match-that-will-crown-the-wwe-wome/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019}} On the May 13 episode of Raw, he debuted with a new look, quickly defeating Apollo Crews.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=5/13 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Becky Lynch contract signing for matches with Lacey Evans and Charlotte Flair, Roman Reigns on Miz TV, Ricochet vs. Baron Corbin, the final Raw push for Money in the Bank|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/05/13/5-13-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-becky-lynch-contract-signing-for-matches-with-lacey-evans-and-charlotte-flair-roman-reigns-on-miz-tv-ricochet-vs-baron-corbin-the-final-raw-push-for-money/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=May 13, 2019|access-date=May 13, 2019}} However, the gimmick was quietly dropped.{{cite web|last=Dangoor|first=Louis|title=Mojo Rawley Reveals New Gimmick And Explains Face Paint Meaning|url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/mojo-rawley-reveals-new-gimmick-and-explains-face-paint-meaning/|access-date=March 21, 2020|date=June 11, 2019|work=WrestleTalk}}

On December 31, Rawley won the WWE 24/7 Championship from R-Truth, his first championship in WWE; however, he would lose it back to Truth moments later.{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|title=TWO WWE 24/7 TITLE CHANGES ON FOX NEW YEAR'S EVE SPECIAL|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/132585/two-wwe-247-title-changes-on-fox-new-years-eve-special.html?p=1|publisher=PWInsider|date=December 31, 2019|access-date=December 31, 2019}} Rawley won the title again on the January 13, 2020, episode of Raw, pinning R-Truth on the entrance ramp.{{cite web|last1=Heydorn|first1=Zack|title=HEYDORN'S WWE RAW REPORT 1/13: Alt Perspective coverage of the live show including the first ever fist fight, Orton vs. Styles, Black vs. Murphy, and more|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2020/01/13/heydorns-wwe-raw-report-1-13-alt-perspective-coverage-of-the-live-show-including-the-first-ever-fist-fight-orton-vs-styles-black-vs-murphy-and-more/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=January 14, 2020|access-date=January 18, 2020}} During three house shows from January 17 to 19, Rawley lost the title to Truth, but quickly regained it moments later.{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=1/17 WWE Live Results: Lafayette, Louisiana (Kairi Sane returns to action, 8-man tag)|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-live-events/146753-wwe-live-results-january-17-2020-lafayette/|work=WrestleView|date=January 18, 2020|access-date=January 19, 2020}} On the January 27 episode of Raw, Rawley lost the title to Truth, but he would quickly regain it back by pinning Truth, who was distracted by Rawley's new bodyguard Riddick Moss whom Rawley dubbed his 'offensive lineman', becoming a six-time champion.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=01/27 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Edge's return, Royal Rumble winners Drew McIntyre and Charlotte Flair, Seth Rollins and Buddy Murphy vs. Samoa Joe and Kevin Owens for the Raw Tag Titles, Liv Morgan vs. Lana|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/27/01-27-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-edges-return-royal-rumble-winners-drew-mcintyre-and-charlotte-flair-seth-rollins-and-buddy-murphy-vs-samoa-joe-and-kevin-owens-for-the-raw-tag-titles-l/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=January 27, 2020}} On the February 10 episode of Raw, Rawley lost the title to Moss after Moss turned on him during a tag team match, ending their alliance.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=2/10 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Becky Lynch vs. Asuka for the Raw Women's Championship, Seth Rollins, Murphy, and AOP vs. Samoa Joe, Kevin Owens, and The Viking Raiders in an eight-man tag match, the build to WWE Super ShowDown continues|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/02/10/2-10-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-becky-lynch-vs-asuka-for-the-raw-womens-championship-seth-rollins-murphy-and-aop-vs-samoa-joe-kevin-owens-and-the-viking-raiders-in-an-eight-man-tag/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=February 10, 2020|access-date=February 11, 2020}}

On the March 13 episode of SmackDown, as a face with his old "Hype" gimmick, Rawley was moved to the SmackDown brand and announced that Rob Gronkowski would be appearing on SmackDown the next week.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=3/13 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of John Cena's appearance, Jeff Hardy's return, Daniel Bryan vs. Cesaro, Bayley and Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross, no fans in attendance at the WWE Performance Center|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/03/13/3-13-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-john-cenas-appearance-paige-confronting-bayley-jeff-hardys-return-no-fans-in-attendance-at-the-wwe-performance-center/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=March 13, 2020|access-date=March 31, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/is-rob-gronkowski-coming-to-wwe-smackdown-march-13-2020|title=Is Rob Gronkowski coming to WWE?: SmackDown, March 13, 2020|work=WWE|date=March 13, 2020|access-date=March 31, 2020}} This move has been seen by critics as a lifeline to Rawley's stagnant career as Gronkowski is more widely known to the general public and is one football's most popular stars before joining WWE.{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2020/03/23/wwes-big-rob-gronkowski-push-has-a-mojo-rawley-problem/|title=WWE's big Rob Gronkowski push has a Mojo Rawley problem|last=Staszewski|first=Joseph|date=March 23, 2020|website=New York Post|language=en|access-date=April 1, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2020/03/11/rob-gronkowskis-reported-wwe-signing-could-be-a-lifeline-for-mojo-rawley/|title=Rob Gronkowski's WWE Signing Could Be A Lifeline For Mojo Rawley (Updated)|last=Konuwa|first=Alfred|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=April 1, 2020}} At WrestleMania 36, with no crowd in attendance, Rawley won the 24/7 championship from R-Truth on the first day of the two-day event, marking his 7th title win. The following day, Gronkowski pinned Rawley to win the title.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/rob-gronkowski-wins-247-title-wrestlemania-36|title=Gronk takes hold of another title, this one at WrestleMania|date=April 5, 2020|website=NBC Sports Boston|access-date=April 6, 2020}} On the June 5 episode of SmackDown, Rawley reverted to being a heel by mocking Shorty G and later joining Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro in attacking him. Two weeks later on the June 19 episode of SmackDown, Rawley was defeated by Shorty G in what would be his final WWE match. On April 15, 2021, after ten months of inactivity caused by long haul COVID, Rawley was released from his WWE contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/145952/another-wwe-release-confirmed.html?p=1 |title=Another Wwe Release Confirmed |publisher=PWInsider.com |date=2021-04-15 |accessdate=2022-05-13}}

After leaving WWE, Mutandi and Steven Kaye founded Paragon Talent Group, a talent agency focusing on professional wrestlers.{{cite web |url=https://www.theparagontg.com/about-us |website=Paragon Taleny Agency |title=About Us }} Wrestlers like Mariah May, Darby Allin, Nia Jax or Mercedes Moné signed with his agency.{{cite web |last1=Martínez |first1=Sebastián |title=Mariah May firma con Paradigm Talent Agency |url=https://solowrestling.com/new/141384-mariah-may-firma-con-paradigm-talent-agency |website=Solowrestling |access-date=7 June 2025}}

Rawley made his video game debut as a playable character in WWE 2K17 (as a downloadable character), and has since appeared in WWE 2K18, WWE 2K19, and WWE 2K20.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2018/09/06/wwe-2k19-roster-tracker-complete-list-of-every-superstar-confirmed-for-the-game/|title='WWE 2K19' Roster: Complete List Of Every On-Disc Superstar In The Game|last=Mazique|first=Brian|date=September 6, 2018|work=Forbes|language=en|access-date=December 28, 2018}} Following his WWE release, Muhtadi appeared in the G.I. Joe prequel film, Snake Eyes. Rawley is currently a co-host on TMZ Sports which airs daily on Fox Sports FS1. Additionally, Mojo stars on the "God Bless Football" podcast with his partners Chris Gronkowski, K-Funk, Joba Chamberlain, Billy Gil, Mikey A, and Stugotz.

Muhtadi is close friends with retired professional football player, Rob Gronkowski. In January 2022, Muhtadi revealed he had COVID-19 in 2020 and defined it as a near-fatal experience.{{cite news |last1=Peralta |first1=Sergi |title=Mojo Rawley revela que hace unos 19 meses se contagió de COVID-19 |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/105579-mojo-rawley-19-meses-contagie-covid-afecto-sobremanera |access-date=March 19, 2022 |work=Solo Wrestling |date=January 31, 2022 |language=es}}

On February 12, 2022, Muhtadi got engaged to Gracie Tracy.{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/02/photos-mojo-rawley-gets-engaged/|title=Former WWE Star Gets Engaged|date=February 12, 2022|access-date=February 13, 2022}} The couple were married on October 17, 2022, in Florence, Italy.{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/various-news-mojo-rawley-gets-married-in-italy/|title=Mojo Rawley Gets Married in Italy|date=October 20, 2022|access-date=August 25, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pwmania.com/photo-mojo-rawley-gets-married-in-italy|title=Photo: Mojo Rawley Gets Married In Italy|date=October 18, 2022|access-date=August 25, 2023}} Their daughter, Nova was born on December 6, 2024.{{cite web |last1=Mukherjee |first1=Subhojeet |title=Ex-WWE Star Mojo Rawley and Wife Gracie Welcome First Child into The World |url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2024/12/06/ex-wwe-star-mojo-rawley-and-wife-gracie-welcome-first-child-into-the-world/ |website=Ringside News |access-date=December 6, 2024 |date=6 December 2024}}

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• PWI ranked him #111 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2017{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2017.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2017|access-date=August 31, 2017|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}
• WWE
• WWE 24/7 Championship (7 times){{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/24-7-championship|title=WWE 24/7 Championship|publisher=WWE|access-date=December 31, 2019}}
• André the Giant Memorial Trophy (2017){{cite web|last=Artus|first=Matthew|title=Mojo Rawley won the 4th annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/2017-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal-results|work=WWE|access-date=April 2, 2017}}

• List of gridiron football players who became professional wrestlers

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Commons category||Mojo Rawley}}

• {{Twitter|MojoRawleyWWE|Mojo Rawley}}
• [http://www.wwe.com/superstars/mojorawley Mojo Rawley's] profile at WWE.com
• {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

• Mark Giannotto. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/19/AR2010071903016.html Dean Muhtadi working hard for a shot at Arizona Cardinals roster], The Washington Post, July 20, 2010.
• Darren Urban. [https://web.archive.org/web/20140114063812/http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-1/Happy-To-Be-Here/d2070251-f484-4b5f-9e3d-4d2fb36a1bca Happy To Be Here], Arizona Cardinals Website, June 3, 2010.
• Mark Giannotto, [https://web.archive.org/web/20110813225839/http://connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=331281&paper=86&cat=225 Muhtadi's on a Mission; T.C. grad, NFL rookie looks to beat the odds at Packers training camp], Sports Connection, July 29, 2009.
• Mike Spofford. [https://web.archive.org/web/20100516023906/http://www.packers.com/news/stories/2009/05/20/1/ Former Terps Become Teammates Again], Green Bay Packers Website.
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110927162446/http://www.umterps.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/muhtadi_dean00.html Maryland Terrapins football bio]

{{WWE 24/7 Championship}}

{{André The Giant Memorial Trophy}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rawley, Mojo}}

Category:1986 births

Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers

Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers

Category:American football defensive tackles

Category:American male professional wrestlers

Category:American people of Palestinian descent

Category:American people of Syrian descent

Category:Sportspeople of Syrian descent

Category:André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winners

Category:Arizona Cardinals players

Category:Christopher Newport Captains football players

Category:Green Bay Packers players

Category:Living people

Category:Maryland Terrapins football players

Category:Morgan Stanley employees

Category:Players of American football from Virginia

Category:Professional wrestlers from Virginia

Category:T. C. Williams High School alumni

Category:WWE 24/7 Champions