Samoa Joe Returns To WWE NXT, Chokes Out Adam Cole
Samoa Joe made a bruising impact on his first night as William Regal's NXT enforcer.
Samoa Joe made his expected WWE NXT return last night, aligning with General Manager William Regal in what looks to be an enforcer's role.
The former NXT and United States Champion was introduced during the opening segment. Regal was out to address his future, having teased "changes" at TakeOver: In Your House, referring to the constant bedlam breaking out around him. This drew an interruption from Karrion Kross and Scarlett, who ran the GM down and tried to talk him into resigning.
Cue: Joe.
The returnee declined Regal's offer to replace him as General Manager put him over, and accepted another spot as the Englishman's right hand man before ordering Kross and Scarlett out of the ring.
Per Regal, Joe won't be able to wrestle in this role and isn't allowed to put his hands on others unless provoked. We saw this in full effect later in the night, as Joe choked Adam Cole out with a Coquina Clutch after the former Undisputed Era man tried to barge past him to get at Kyle O'Reilly.
Released by WWE on 15 April, Joe's NXT return was first hinted at last week before more concrete information emerged a few days ago. It is currently unclear whether or not the veteran has been cleared to compete.