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Samoa Joe Reportedly Returning To NXT
Samoa Joe has reportedly accepted a position to return to WWE, under the NXT banner.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Samoa Joe has taken a job in NXT, but it’s in a non-wrestling role, which could mean he is still not cleared to compete.
Samoa Joe may return in a commissioner-style role, which could mean he is replacing William Regal.
During the ending of Sunday’s In Your House pay-per-view, William Regal announced it was time for a change. WWE later announced on Twitter, an announcement from the NXT GM would be made on this Tuesday’s NXT television.
Following the pay-per-view, Triple H and Shawn Michaels spoke on the promo during a media call, indicating Regal would still be in NXT, whether he’s on or off-camera.
“So, I think that’s the cue for Samoa Joe. I don’t know that 100%. I was told today that Samoa Joe was in a Regal-like role, then all of a sudden Regal’s talking like he’s stepping down, so maybe the Regal-like role is Regal’s role. But, if he’s leaving, based on what I was told, Samoa Joe was definitely the favorite to be the new commissioner. Joe is in, and he’s in as a non-wrestler, so I think that tells you that he’s not cleared, so even if you want him to go to another company, if he’s not medically cleared, I don’t want to say impossible, because we’ve seen too many examples are people not medically cleared for life, who end up wrestling again”
“He has taken a job in NXT and he’s doing something there, and he may be as the new authority figure on television, or he may not be, but he’s gonna be behind the scenes.”
Samoa Joe was reportedly at the WWE Performance Center last week, and numerous talents and staff within NXT have heard interest in bringing back their former world champion
He was released from WWE in April, in a move that surprised many wrestling fans. Despite not being active on the ring for several months prior to his departure, Joe had found himself a spot on Raw’s commentary team, where he was commended for his skills.
Following his release, fans began to speculate possible next moves for Joe, which included a return to IMPACT, an AEW debut, several dream matches, and other scenarios.
If you use any of the quotes in this article please credit Wrestling Observer Radio with a h/t to Heelbynature.com for the transcription.