The Real Reason Samoa Joe Has Been Missing From WWE TV

Where in the world is WWE's resident 'Destroyer'?

Samoa Joe
WWE.com

Samoa Joe hasn't competed on WWE television since Monday Night Raw's 9 September episode, where he fell to Baron Corbin in a fun King of the Ring semi-final Triple Threat that also featured Ricochet.

All has gone dark with regards to the former NXT Champion since then. Fortunately, PWInsider came through with a new report on Joe's status yesterday, claiming that the big man is currently sidelined with an injury.

PWInsider notes that Joe suffered a broken thumb while working a bout a few weeks ago, which could mean the KOTR Triple Threat, and is currently awaiting clearance from WWE's doctors before he's able to return to the ring. There's currently no word on when that might be.

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Joe has enjoyed a year typical of his main roster run so far, with WWE largely using him as an upper-midcard heater who's competitive against comparable opponents but usually falls to bigger names. He picked up his first two main roster championships with a couple of United States Title wins in spring and summer and was briefly involved in a WWE Title feud with Kofi Kingston. Though unsuccessful in his quest to capture the top title, he remains one of the company's more intimidating villains.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.