WWE's Samoa Joe Faces Injury Lay-Off

Samoa Joe could be out of action for up to six weeks after suffering a knee injury at a WWE house show, according to the Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer.

The former ROH star was set to compete against John Cena in the main event of yesterday's Raw, but was withdrawn from the show at the last minute after getting hurt.

And early reports have estimated a conservative recovery time of around six weeks, although he could be back sooner.

Meltzer says the injury did not affect plans for Cena's feud with Roman Reigns, which intensified last night following a frank shoot-style promo.

Joe fought in main events of both SummerSlam and Great Balls of Fire - the most recent Raw-exclusive outing - coming up short in his efforts to win Brock Lesnar's Universal Title.

After last week, when he joined The Miz in interrupting a confrontation between Reigns and Cena, it was expected that he would have a big role to play in the run up to No Mercy.

However, the injury - which should see him return in time for Survivor Series - may mean a change of approach over the next few episodes of Raw.