Real Reason For Samoa Joe's WWE Release

Here's what may have played into Samoa Joe's WWE release last week.

by Andy H Murray
Samoa Joe
WWE

Physical concerns may have been one of the key factors in WWE's decision to release Samoa Joe last week.

Dave Meltzer wrote as much in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, comparing the situation to Christian Cage's:-

"It becomes an interesting strategy because Joe, in particular, if he is in good shape, because he’s a star to the AEW fan base and can talk, could be a valuable acquisition. But perhaps WWE believes with his age and injuries, he wouldn’t be, similar to not competing to keep Jay Reso (Christian Cage)."

A pro wrestler since 1999, Joe is 42 years old. He has currently been inactive for 14 months after suffering a concussion while filming a WWE commercial in February 2020.

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Prior to that, the former NXT and United States Champion had been suspended 30 days for violating WWE's Wellness Policy and had missed time due to injury in late 2019 as well.

Joe served as part of the Raw announce booth while sidelined from the ring. It was reported that he had been working to get cleared prior to his WWE release, though the company wouldn't oblige.

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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.