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After impressing everyone at the recent NXT tapings, Samoa Joe reportedly has signed a full-time deal with the WWE. Joe’s merchandise sales also played their part as they were so “off the charts” that Vince McMahon and Triple H pushed to get him signed to a full-time deal. Joe has not signed a contract as of earlier today but both parties has agreed on the deal and now the final paperwork is being put together. The deal however will not see Joe fast-tracked into the WWE main roster as he will be focal point in the NXT for the next few months. Joe ofcourse like Kevin Owens, is expected to be drafted into the main roster later.
Regarding Ring of Honor, Joe will be teaming with AJ Styles to face Kazarian and Daniels at the July 20th ROH TV tapings and this will likely be Joe’s farewell. The company was looking to using Joe on more dates, but now with the full-time deal with the WWE coming up that seems highly unlikely. Joe however will still be fulfilling all indie commitments that are scheduled but WWE will likely come first if they needed him on a date that was already booked for an indie.
-Meanwhile Samoa Joe defeated Tyson Kidd in a dark match before Monday’s WWE RAW in San Antonio. Fans in attendance noted that Kidd may have suffered a neck or collarbone injury during the later phase of the match. Natalya was seen rushing backstage after the match, Cesaro also was seen coming out to the ringside to check on Kidd. The referee examined Kidd and threw up the dreaded “X” sign to call out help. Kidd on his way back was seen holding his neck area, in an attempt to sell Joe’s Musclebuster but futher updates are awaited.
WWE’s Immortal mobile game has undergone a makeover and will feature Stephanie McMahon Challenge soon. WWE tweeted the following:
Former WWE superstar Sho Funaki was backstage last night on Raw as he lives in the area and still works part-time with the company on some occasions. Funaki was released by the WWE in 2010, ending his 12-year stint in the company. Funaki made a special appearance in a video as a translator for Kenta's first WWE interview with Renee Young. In September, Funaki returned to WWE's developmental program NXT to feud with The Ascencion alongside Kenta, who was now going by the name Hideo Itami. Funaki also cameoed for WWE as a special guest referee during their house shows in Japan in 2011 and 2013. Here he is seen with Natalya:
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