10 Things We Learned From Dark Side Of The Ring: Necro Butcher vs. Samoa Joe

6. Samoa Joe Didn’t Actually See The Match!

Ready for something earth-shattering? 

Joe admits that he was completely working with that promo Necro hated. He didn’t even watch the match at Chikara to prepare! Instead, others told him that Necro “roughed up a couple of kids”. Knowing he had to go all gas no brakes, Joe offered: “It’s part of the show, man”. Meanwhile, not knowing that his Samoan counterpart was just working, Butcher took things personally because promoter Ian Rotten was feeding him info and fanning flames.

Necro told VICE that he didn’t know what was true and what wasn’t - his only goal was to show people what he could do. Again, he clearly had a chip on his shoulder stylistically and wanted to prove that his style was as valid as anyone else’s. The pair's approach once the match was booked couldn't have been more different.

According to Joe, his then-girlfriend lived close to Philadelphia, “so [he] literally took this booking to get some ass”. Recognising how silly and immature that sounds now, he added: “We were definitely different mindsets walking into this match”. No kidding. Joe simply viewed this as another booking, but it was everything to Necro, and a chance to show that he wasn't what people thought he was.

It's staggering to think that Butcher was snarling whilst Joe was planning a little Netflix and chill (or DVD and chill in 2005) with his girl. Joe couldn't have imagined what'd come next. This was no routine afternoon spot show booking for him. Not against Necro.