WWE Reports: New Details About the Shocking Release of Samoa Joe Revealed

Published 04/17/2021, 9:15 AM EDT

WWE shocked the world by releasing Samoa Joe as a part of their annual ‘spring cleaning’. Despite not winning a World Championship, Joe was one of the best wrestlers and talkers in the company. He suffered an injury in 2020 which kept him out of action, but there’s a shocking update on why he never returned to the ring.

WWE did not clear Samoa Joe to compete

In February 2020, Samoa Joe suffered a head injury that put him out of action for WrestleMania season. He then received a suspension for violating WWE’s Wellness Policy and returned in April to join the Raw commentary team.

Article continues below this ad

Joe worked as a commentator alongside Byron Saxton and Tom Phillips until after WrestleMania 37. WWE released him alongside the likes of Bo Dallas, Mickie James, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Mojo Rawley, Tucker, Chelsea Green, Kalisto and Wesley Blake.

Samoa Joe had recently expressed his desire to wrestle, but he was not medically cleared by WWE, per @FightfulWrestle pic.twitter.com/Na4rJ5BNI6
— B/R Wrestling (@BRWrestling) April 16, 2021

According to Fightful Select (H/T Wrestling News), WWE did not medically clear Joe to return to the ring. The former United States Champion expressed his desire to return since his injuries healed but did not receive a positive affirmation from the company.

Losing Joe might not be a big issue for WWE, especially since Corey Graves is back on the Raw commentary team. Graves’ replacement on SmackDown is Pat McAfee, who has a great dynamic with Michael Cole. As for Joe, he will be a valuable asset to whichever promotion he goes to, whether as a wrestler or commentator.

Where will we see Joe next?

A Superstar possessing talents on par with Samoa Joe will be a valuable asset. From Ring of Honor to TNA to WWE, Joe has wowed audiences with his freakish athleticism, strong character work, and excellent promos. He might even be in the conversation for the greatest wrestler of the 2010s.

Article continues below this ad

AEW has become a haven for WWE rejects and superstars the company discarded over the years. From Matt Hardy to Jon Moxley, ex-WWE stars are enjoying their new roles in Tony Khan’s kingdom.

It would be great to see Joe mix it up with AEW’s best and brightest. He would also kill it on commentary.

Article continues below this ad

If Joe returns to IMPACT or Ring of Honor, he would be a great nostalgia-driven run. While WWE never put their main title on him, it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if Joe became World Champion in IMPACT, AEW, ROH, or even NJPW.

WATCH: The Rivalry With Samoa Joe That Made WWE Sign CM Punk

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Nathan Fulgado is a WWE and AEW author at EssentiallySports. Having published close to 1000 professional wrestling articles, Nathan is currently pursuing his Journalism degree from Xavier's College. He has previously worked at Free Press Journal as a local journalist.

WWE Reports: New Details About the Shocking Release of Samoa Joe Revealed

WWE did not clear Samoa Joe to compete

Trending

Bo Dallas’ Uncle Howdy & Matt Hardy’s Return Date Seemingly Finalised After Bray Wyatt Connection Emerges

“See It on Camera”: Cody Rhodes Reveals Roman Reigns’ Unscripted Three-Word Line During WrestleMania Match

Rare Footage Shows Jacob Fatu Being Restrained by Brother Zilla From Alleged Brawl at WWE Show

“My Favorite”: Brock Lesnar’s Alleged Return Theme Song Voted Best Def Rebel Meme by Fans in Ongoing Trend

“Boring Champion”: Cody Rhodes Loses IWC Confidence Days After Beating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL

Where will we see Joe next?