8 Ways WWE Can Make Samoa Joe The AJ Styles Of 2017

5. Keep Triple H At An Arm's Length

Samoa Joe
WWE.com

Aligning with Triple H doesn’t always work out. Rubbing shoulders with a company executive might seem like a great way to gain exposure, but just look at the damage done to Seth Rollins through his affiliation with The Game.

Seth’s WWE Title reign was lengthy, but few champions have ever been booked to look as weak as The Architect did. His run was more of a curse than a blessing.

Kevin Owens’ decline in credibility also started when Triple H effectively handed him the Universal Championship, and Joe has to be very, very careful. He debuted as Hunter’s hired gun on Raw, and while this was definitely a great way to have him make an impact, Joe shouldn’t be buddying-up with Triple H long-term.

It’s important that Samoa Joe establishes himself as his own man. Triple H’s sidekicks always become limp, subservient geeks, and while this character suited Rollins at times, it won’t work for The Destroyer, who has built his reputation by being the polar opposite of those traits. A simple “I brought Joe here to destroy Seth Rollins, and he has done just that,” is all Triple H needs to say to cut him loose, and put an end to their allegiance.

We don’t need another wrestler/authority figure partnership in 2017 - particularly not from Samoa Joe.

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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.