Samoa Joe’s Shocking Exit: Why the Former NXT Champion May Retire Soon—and What It Means for WWE

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Samoa Joe’s Shocking Exit: Why the Former NXT Champion May Retire Soon—and What It Means for WWE

One minute, he was dominating the ring as NXT’s most feared champion. The next, he was gone—leaving fans wondering: Did Samoa Joe leave WWE by choice, or was it the end of the road? Now, rumors of his retirement are swirling, and the wrestling world is scrambling for answers.

If you’ve followed WWE over the past decade, you know Samoa Joe isn’t just another superstar—he’s a game-changer. From his brutal reign in NXT to his hard-hitting feuds on Raw and SmackDown, Joe brought a level of intensity that few could match. So when he quietly vanished from WWE programming in early 2022, then resurfaced in AEW, fans were confused. And now, with whispers of retirement circulating, the question isn’t just why he left WWE—it’s what’s next for one of wrestling’s most respected performers?

In this deep dive, we’ll break down:

  • The real reasons behind Samoa Joe’s WWE exit (spoiler: it’s not just about injuries).
  • How his AEW run compares—and why it might be his last hurrah.
  • The health struggles that could force an early retirement.
  • What his legacy means for future wrestlers who don’t fit the “WWE mold.”

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good sports-entertainment drama, this story has it all: backstage politics, career reinvention, and the harsh reality of life after the ring.

The Samoa Joe Story: From NXT’s Top Dog to WWE’s Forgotten Son

How a “Too Small, Too Stiff” Wrestler Became a Champion

Samoa Joe’s WWE journey is the ultimate underdog tale—if the underdog was a 280-pound Samoan submission machine who made opponents tap out in seconds. Before WWE, Joe was a legend on the indie circuit, tearing through promotions like Ring of Honor (ROH) and TNA with a reputation for being too intense for mainstream audiences. Critics said he was “too stiff” (wrestling-speak for “hits too hard”) and “not marketable enough” for Vince McMahon’s vision.

Then came NXT. In 2015, WWE signed Joe as part of its developmental brand, and he immediately proved the doubters wrong. His feud with Finn Bálor for the NXT Championship was a masterclass in storytelling, blending brutal in-ring action with emotional stakes. When Joe finally won the title in 2017, it felt like a vindication—not just for him, but for fans who’d long argued that wrestling didn’t need cookie-cutter superstars.

“Samoa Joe was the first guy who made NXT feel like it could compete with the main roster. He wasn’t just a wrestler—he was a character you believed in.” — Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio

The Main Roster Struggle: Why WWE Never Fully Embraced Joe

Here’s where things get messy. Despite his NXT success, Joe’s transition to Raw and SmackDown was… uneven. WWE creative struggled to book him consistently, bouncing him between:

  • Mid-card purgatory (feuds with the likes of Baron Corbin that went nowhere).
  • Injury-prone runs (more on this later).
  • The “US Title Revolving Door” (Joe held the belt twice but never got a meaningful long-term push).

The biggest issue? WWE’s shifting priorities. By the late 2010s, Vince McMahon was doubling down on bigger, more marketable stars (think: Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman). Joe, despite his skill, didn’t fit the “face of the company” mold. His promo style was too real—less scripted spectacle, more raw intensity. And in a company where look often matters more than ability, that’s a problem.

Why Did Samoa Joe Leave WWE? The Real Story Behind the Departure

Reason #1: The Injury Curse That Wouldn’t Quit

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Samoa Joe’s body was breaking down. Wrestling is a punishing business, but Joe’s style—heavy on strikes, suplexes, and submissions—took an extra toll. Over his WWE tenure, he dealt with:

  • Multiple knee injuries (including a torn ACL in 2019).
  • Chronic back issues (a common problem for larger wrestlers).
  • Concussion concerns (Joe’s stiff offense made him a liability in WWE’s new concussion-conscious era).

By 2020, Joe was visibly slower in the ring. WWE medical staff reportedly urged him to take extended time off, but with his contract expiring and creative having no major plans for him, the writing was on the wall.

Reason #2: Creative Frustration (Or: “What Do You Mean I’m Losing to Elias?”)

Imagine being a former world champion, then finding yourself jobbing to mid-card acts with no storyline momentum. That was Joe’s reality in his final WWE years. Sources close to the locker room (including Fightful Select and Wrestling Inc.) reported that Joe was increasingly frustrated with:

  • Last-minute script changes (his 2020 feud with Karrion Kross was abruptly scrapped).
  • Lack of direction (Joe went from challenging for the Universal Title in 2018 to being an afterthought by 2021).
  • The “WWE machine” (Joe reportedly clashed with producers over his in-ring style and promo delivery).

When his contract expired in April 2021, WWE didn’t even offer a renewal. For a guy who’d given the company some of its best NXT moments, it was a quiet, undignified exit.

Reason #3: AEW’s Shiny New Opportunity

Within weeks of his WWE release, Samoa Joe signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The contrast was immediate:

  • Creative freedom: AEW let Joe be Joe
  • Respect from management: Tony Khan publicly called Joe “one of the greatest of all time.”
  • A lighter schedule: AEW’s taping model meant less wear and tear on his body.

Joe’s AEW run wasn’t perfect—he took another injury hiatus in 2022—but it proved he still had gas in the tank. His 2023 return as the leader of the Kingdom faction showed glimpses of the old, dominant Joe. Yet even there, the question lingered: How much longer can he keep this up?

Is Samoa Joe Retiring Soon? The Signs Point to Yes

The Body Says “Stop”

In a 2023 interview with AEW Unrestricted, Joe admitted that his injuries have forced him to “re-evaluate everything”. Key red flags:

  • He’s visibly lost mobility—his signature Muscle Buster finisher is now a rare sight.
  • He’s shifted to a manager/mentor role in AEW, working with younger talent like Roderick Strong.
  • He’s spoken openly about life after wrestling, including potential commentary or backstage roles.

Wrestlers rarely retire on their own terms—usually, their bodies force the decision. For Joe, the signs are there.

The Legacy Question: What’s Left to Prove?

Samoa Joe’s résumé is already stacked:

  • NXT Champion
  • 2x WWE United States Champion
  • ROH World Champion (one of the longest reigns in history)
  • TNA World Heavyweight Champion
  • AEW TNT Champion

At this point, another title run feels like icing on a already-baked cake. Joe has nothing left to prove—except maybe when to walk away.

Could He Pull a “Batista” and Return Later?

Never say never. Wrestlers like Batista, Edge, and Christian Cage have made shocking comebacks after “retiring.” But Joe’s case is different:

  • His style is high-impact—not something you can safely do in your 40s.
  • AEW’s roster is stacked—there’s less need for part-time legends.
  • He’s already transitioning into backstage roles (Joe has been rumored for a producer spot in AEW).

If he does return, it’ll likely be for one last dream match (maybe against Jon Moxley or Bryan Danielson in AEW). But a full-time comeback? Unlikely.

The Bigger Picture: Samoa Joe’s Legacy and Wrestling’s Future

WWE’s Missed Opportunity

Samoa Joe’s WWE tenure is a case study in how not to handle a veteran star. The company had a chance to:

  • Use him as a monster heel to elevate younger talent (imagine Joe as a gatekeeper for guys like Drew McIntyre or Matt Riddle).
  • Let him mentor NXT’s next generation (he was reportedly a beloved locker-room presence).
  • Give him a proper farewell (instead of fading into obscurity).

Instead, WWE let a hall-of-fame-level talent slip through its fingers—only for AEW to reap the benefits.

AEW’s Gain (And What It Says About the Industry)

Joe’s AEW run proves that not every wrestler needs to be in WWE to thrive. AEW gave him:

  • Creative control over his character.
  • A lighter schedule to prolong his career.
  • Respect as a veteran (something WWE often struggles with).

His story is part of a larger trend: top-tier talent no longer see WWE as the only option. Guys like Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, and Malakai Black have shown that you can have a fulfilling, lucrative career outside Vince McMahon’s universe.

What This Means for the Next Generation

Samoa Joe’s career is a blueprint for wrestlers who don’t fit the “traditional mold”:

  • Indie success ≠ WWE failure. Joe proved you can be a draw without being 6’5” and chiseled.
  • Reinvention is key. From TNA to NXT to AEW, Joe adapted his style to stay relevant.
  • Know your worth. Joe left WWE when he realized he was being underutilized—a move more wrestlers should make.

If there’s one lesson from Joe’s story, it’s this: Wrestling is bigger than one company. The industry is changing, and stars no longer have to play by WWE’s rules to leave a legacy.

What’s Next for Samoa Joe? Three Possible Paths

Option 1: The Commentary Booth

Joe’s deep knowledge of the business and natural charisma make him a perfect fit for commentary. Imagine him on AEW Dynamite or WWE Raw—he’d bring a fresh, no-nonsense perspective that’s missing from today’s broadcast teams.

Option 2: Backstage Producer

AEW could use Joe as a producer/agent, helping younger talent craft matches and storylines. Given his experience across multiple promotions, he’d be invaluable in shaping the next generation.

Option 3: The “One Last Ride” Farewell Tour

If Joe wants to go out on his own terms, he could do a limited schedule in AEW or even return to WWE for a Hall of Fame induction + final match. Picture it: Joe vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, or a bloody last stand against Moxley in AEW. It’d be the perfect way to say goodbye.

The End of an Era—and the Start of Something New

Samoa Joe’s career is a reminder that wrestling isn’t just about titles or paychecks—it’s about respect, reinvention, and knowing when to walk away. From his indie days to his NXT reign to his AEW resurgence, Joe proved that you don’t need to be the “chosen one” to leave a mark. You just need to be damn good—and unapologetically yourself.

So, is retirement coming soon? All signs point to yes. But whether he steps away quietly or goes out in a blaze of glory, one thing’s certain: Samoa Joe’s legacy is already cemented. He changed the game for wrestlers who didn’t fit the mold, and that’s something no injury or bad booking decision can erase.

What do you think? Should Joe get one last major feud before hanging up his boots? Or is it time for him to transition into a new role? Drop your thoughts in the comments—and if you loved this breakdown, check out our deep dive on other WWE legends who left too soon.

Want more wrestling insights? Subscribe for weekly updates on the biggest stories in sports entertainment—or join our community to debate the greatest “what if?” moments in WWE history!

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Kebun Firdaus

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