Samoa Joe sees great potential in NXT’s women's roster.
Samoa Joe, after being let go by WWE on Thursday, April 15, 2021, resurfaced in NXT on Tuesday, June 15 to serve as a troubleshooting “enforcer” for an on-screen brand that has spiraled out of control.
For Joe, he is very future-focused and while he appreciates everybody who fondly reflects upon his past accomplishments, he believes in forward-thinking and believing in the future.
When asked why he returned to NXT, Joe tells Sports Illustrated that it begins with the belief in Shawn Michaels and Triple H in their passion for the brand that they run and continues with his belief in the future of NXT, including the modern roster of women that are all presented as determined badasses, not unlike Joe himself.
“It means the world to me that people honor my legacy and have good memories about matches I’ve been in,” Joe says. “That really means a lot. But I’ve always been focused on what I can do next. I don’t want to dwell on accolades. I didn’t build my career off fond memories. I do what I do and give the fans something to look forward to.”
He continued, “A lot of why I’m back is the people I’m working with in NXT,” Joe says. “It starts with the passion of Hunter and Shawn Michaels, who is an incredible mind. I’m amazed at the women on the roster. They’re beyond incredible. Some are very young in their careers, and they’re exceptional—look at how Raquel [González], she’s been fantastic. Then look at Ember Moon, Dakota Kai, Io Shirai. It’s a murderer’s row of top-tier, internationally-certified talent. NXT, they’re putting out an incredible wrestling program.”
While Joe is currently not allowed to be a proper in-ring performer on-camera, Joe says that he absolutely is working towards a return to the squared circle. Learn more here.
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