Samoa Joe revealed during a backstage segment on the May 27 episode of AEW Collision that he’ll be stepping away from AEW for the next few months.
The segment featured Joe speaking with The Opps following what he called a rough week for the group, but he made it clear their overall mission was not changing. Joe reminded the group that The Opps was built around standing against anyone who gets in their way while also creating opportunities for people who deserve them.
During the promo, Joe also mentioned that Hook had just wrapped filming a movie and praised Anthony Bowens as somebody whose moment is still coming.
“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 explained the group’s purpose while addressing Hook and Bowens directly. That’s when Joe dropped the biggest news of the segment.
“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.”
“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.”
The announcement immediately sparked questions about Joe’s future plans outside wrestling and what acting project could be pulling him away from AEW television this time. Even with Joe leaving temporarily, the segment clearly positioned The Opps to continue moving forward without him while Bowens and Hook potentially take on bigger roles during his absence.
Do you think Samoa Joe stepping away will help elevate the rest of The Opps in AEW? Let us know in the comments.
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