20 Reasons Why Last Night's WWE Raw Reunion Was An Absolute Mess

14. Hirooki Joe-To

Seth Rollins dork
WWE.com

Samoa Joe is generally considered one of WWE’s more bulletproof performers in that his incredible character and promo work make it easy for him to regain any heat lost in defeat. He’s a searing, domineering personality whose personality comes across stronger than any other male wrestler in the company, though is credibility is really wearing thin now.

Last night’s Raw saw Joe take another big loss as Roman Reigns overcame him in under six minutes. This follows a meek defeat to Kofi Kingston at Extreme Rules in which Joe looked like a threatless plodder, and a United States Title loss to Ricochet at Stomping Grounds.

What use is this predator if he doesn’t feel like a force between the ropes? Joe is being typecast as a loser. He’s starting to resemble NJPW’s Hirooki Goto as a great performer who loses every match of importance, and he desperately needs a kick up the arse.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!