Samoa Joe’s AEW television absence now has a likely explanation, and it appears Hollywood really is calling again.
According to PWInsider, Joe’s upcoming time away from AEW is likely connected to Peacock’s Twisted Metal, where he is a regular cast member. The series is expected to begin filming its third season soon in Canada, which lines up with Joe saying he would be gone for several months.
“Joe is a regular cast member on Peacock’s great series Twisted Metal, which is slated to film its third season shortly in Canada. That is likely the reason for his hiatus.”
This comes after Joe addressed The Opps on the May 27 edition of AEW Dynamite and told the group that he would be stepping away because of outside opportunities.
“But once again, opportunity calls and Hollywood’s ringing. Gentlemen, I’ll be stepping away for a few months, but you all know how this works. I expect you to hold it down.”
Joe also made it clear that his absence does not change the mission of The Opps. He told the group that they were built around standing against anyone in their way while creating chances for people who deserve them.
“It hasn’t been the best week for the organization. That does not mean the mission changes. You see, when I founded the ops, this was an organization of opposition. But more importantly, opportunity.”
Joe then addressed Hook and Anthony Bowens directly, pointing to Hook finishing a movie and teasing that Bowens’ moment is still coming.
“We stand in opposition of any who stand in our way. And we provide opportunities for men who deserve them. Hook just finished his latest movie, Shabata, on the hottest chain of pachinko parlors across nara. And soon, Bowens, you’ll get the standing ovation that you deserve.”
Joe’s temporary exit now gives AEW a chance to shift more focus onto the rest of The Opps while he handles his outside acting commitments. With Twisted Metal filming expected to start soon, this appears to be a planned break rather than anything sudden.
Samoa Joe has balanced wrestling and acting before, and this latest hiatus seems to be another example of AEW working around his Hollywood schedule. The real question now is how The Opps will hold things down while Joe is away.
Do you think The Opps can stay strong on AEW TV without Samoa Joe for the next few months? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments.
