Backstage Update On Samoa Joe's WWE Status

What's going on with Samoa Joe now that his suspension is over?

by Andy H Murray
Samoa Joe
WWE

The past six months haven't been kind to Samoa Joe, who was forced out of the ring thanks to an injury towards the end of 2019, returned to join Kevin Owens' war against Seth Rollins' heel stable, got hurt again while filming a commercial, then got hit with a 30-day suspension for violating WWE's Wellness Policy.

That suspension came into effect on 24 February. It has now expired and Joe is available to be booked again, though there's currently no word on whether or not he is being brought back for this week's WrestleMania 36 tapings - which will also cover the 6 April Raw after 'Mania.

This is all according to a new report from Lords of Pain.

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It is also noted that Joe might not actually be medically cleared to compete, having suffered a concussion during the commercial filming. Raw's 27 January episode saw him pick up a similar knock. Given how seriously WWE take concussions these days, it's likely that they are being very, very cautious with his recovery.

Here's hoping that Joe is healthy and able to return to WWE programming before long, as he remains an immense performer.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.