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In a surprising turn of events, WWE confirmed that they have released Samoa Joe. The news took Twitter by storm, and fans strongly reacted to the same. When WWE confirmed that Joe is off the RAW commentary team, fans were expecting to see him return to the ring and possibly feud with Roman Reigns after WrestleMania 37. Unfortunately, he made his last appearance for the company at the recently concluded pay-per-view.
WWE also confirmed the release of nine other superstars, including Peyton Royce and Billie Kay. Reports claim that none of them can sign with any other promotion until July 14. Many argue that the release of someone like Samoa Joe would be a significant loss. That being said, the Internet is running wild with speculations about his future.
Let’s take a look at five interesting directions for Samoa Joe following his WWE release.
#1 Samoa Joe signs with AEW
Like several former WWE Superstars, Samoa Joe could start the next chapter of his pro wrestling career at AEW. He is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining superstars in the entire business today. Joe’s brutal side is a great spectacle, especially during his intensely personal feuds.
Samoa Joe has held the NXT Championship and the United States Championship in the past. However, he never held the world title in WWE. That could change if Joe decides to sign with AEW. He could pose an instant threat to the company's most coveted prize and can deliver epic feuds with Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley.
AEW does well in booking the heels of their biggest storylines. It would be a perfect place for Samoa Joe, who plays the villain's role with unparalleled brilliance. AEW also gives its superstars more creative control over their promos, and Joe is exceptionally good with the mic. The promotion itself stands to gain a lot from the signing.
There is no doubt that AEW will try to scoop up Samoa Joe following his release. However, he is still bonded with a non-compete clause for a few months. Joe would see many familiar faces in the AEW locker room, but will things be different for him in a new promotion? There’s a lot for him to consider before he signs with WWE’s biggest rival promotion.
#2 Samoa Joe takes a break from wrestling
Samoa Joe has not wrestled since February 2020, when he broke his thumb during a match on RAW in August 2019. He worked as a color commentator on the Red brand until he recovered from his injury. Joe then competed at Royal Rumble and on a couple of RAW episodes before he sustained another injury.
He was soon suspended for violating WWE’s wellness policy. After his return, Samoa Joe continued to work as a commentator until WrestleMania 37, where he made his last appearance. To say that the last few years have been difficult for Joe would be an understatement. He has struggled with several injuries, including concussions.
It is possible that Joe would like to take a break from working after his release from WWE. He could get some much-needed time off to evaluate all his options before taking the next step. He could also turn his attention towards things that he might have neglected. WWE’s schedule takes a toll on superstars, and Joe might not want to enter a similar routine by immediately signing with AEW.
#3 Samoa Joe returns to IMPACT Wrestling
Before signing with WWE, Samoa Joe spent a major part of his career on IMPACT Wrestling. His dominant presence on the roster helped him carve a name for himself in the promotion. Joe’s time in IMPACT Wrestling was also instrumental in making him the star that he is today. Once his non-compete clause is up, Joe can possibly return to the promotion.
Former WWE Superstars Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, who were released last year on the same day, also signed with IMPACT Wrestling. They even held the IMPACT World Tag Team Championships for 119 days. Samoa Joe’s path could be similar. He previously had a dispute with the company, but that was a long time ago, and they might solve their issues.
His return to IMPACT Wrestling would help the brand immensely with its viewership. Even a short-term deal would bode well for both parties. Samoa Joe can help elevate their world championship picture by competing with top superstars. It will also help him get rid of in-ring rust, if any, before he signs with another promotion.
#4 Samoa Joe returns to the independent wrestling circuit
Samoa Joe shares a long history with the independent wrestling circuit. He could return to that place to guide up-and-coming wrestlers. Joe has not competed inside the ring for a long time, and it will take him a while to regularly engage in matches. Spending some time in independent wrestling might help him find his groove once again.
He would also be a great coach for young wrestlers seeking to make a name in the business. From in-ring dominance to unmatched command on the mic, there’s a lot that one can learn from Samoa Joe. It would also give him more control over his work and how he wants to create his brand.
We have seen former WWE Superstars undergo a massive transformation after their release from the company. Some of them also return and climb to the top of the food chain, like Drew McIntyre. Although Samoa Joe is 42 years old, several examples show that he can also script a similar story for himself.
#5 Samoa Joe pursues change in profession
Samoa Joe is a brilliant performer, and fans all over the world would love to see him back inside the squared circle. However, his past struggles with injuries may prompt him to hang his boots and pursue a new career. He could take up a role of a sports commentator. Joe has the gift of the gab, and has gained enough experience in calling live action on RAW.
Did you know that Samoa Joe worked as a mortgage broker before he became a wrestler? We wouldn’t put it past him to bid farewell to the pro wrestling industry altogether. However, we hope that he will remain a part of the business, even if he is a part of the announce desk. Joe could also start working as a backstage producer for other promotions.
Pro wrestling fans around the world will eagerly wait for Samoa Joe to announce his next move. It was shocking to see his name included in the list of released WWE Superstars, but it would be long before the viewers’ admiration for him starts to fade. There are many possibilities for him including an eventual return to the WWE ring.
