Samoa Joe’s First Match Back in AEW Confirmed After Explosive Return

Samoa Joe is wasting no time getting back in the ring. After months away from AEW television, the former AEW World Champion made a shocking return on the January 15 episode of AEW Dynamite, stepping in to save HOOK from a brutal beatdown at the hands of The Patriarchy.

Joe’s music hit just as Christian Cage and his crew were laying into HOOK following a disqualification finish. The crowd erupted as Joe stormed to the ring, sending The Patriarchy scrambling before they could do more damage. This marked Joe’s first AEW appearance since July when he was written off TV following a violent Canadian Stampede Street Fight against Chris Jericho.

Joe had been off television while filming season two of Twisted Metal on Peacock, where he plays the physical role of Sweet Tooth. With that project now in the books, he’s back in AEW and already booked for his first match.

During the January 18 episode of AEW Collision, the company announced that Samoa Joe will step into the ring for the first time in over six months when he faces Nick Wayne on the January 22 episode of AEW Dynamite.

Joe returning to AEW is a game-changer. With unfinished business against Chris Jericho and a stacked roster filled with potential challengers, it won’t take long before he’s in the mix for another major feud.

What do you think about Samoa Joe’s return? Will he pick up where he left off or carve a new path in AEW? Drop your thoughts in the comments!