Samoa Joe isn't done in the ring.
Joe hasn't been active in the ring over the last two years due to concussion issues, but did make his in-ring return at NXT TakeOver 36, defeating Karrion Kross to win the NXT Championship. Joe never defended the title as he relinquished the belt in September as NXT rebranded to NXT 2.0.
Joe would work as a scout and coach at NXT and the WWE Performance Center after dropping the title. He was released by WWE in January.
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Joe addressed his future in wrestling.
"Since my departure from WWE, I've been consumed with outside work, outside of the wrestling industry. A lot of cool voice over work, been busy with that. As far as my future (in wrestling), I kind of started my road back to the ring in NXT. That road never really stopped, I just kept training. Being in the PC at the time with a lot of young talent, working with guys who are now...I want to put over some NXT talent. The Creed Brothers are going to be amazing. Solo Sikoa has the family behind him, he's going to be an amazing cat. I think the world of a lot of NXT 2.0 guys. Young Bron Breakker is going to be amazing. I was (disappointed) I didn't get to work with him a little bit more before he's going to make his eventual rise to the top. It's in the genes. He knows what's up," said Joe.
Circling back to his future, Joe said, "We're training. We're ready. I'm not on paper with anybody, anywhere, we haven't signed anything. We're just kind of exploring our options. I'm taking a little time, personally, to be with the family and sure up things home side. We'll see what the coming months hold, hopefully, it'll be positive. I'm not really engaged with anybody or exploring that. I've been consumed with my other work, which has been nice, we're now getting back to pro wrestling and seeing where we go from here."
Later on the show, Joe was asked about the possibility of going to AEW or if he would be open to another return to WWE.
"I'm open to whatever opportunity. At this point, I'm blessed enough that I get to make decisions and get to work on things outside of wrestling, which is a rarity when you're this far in and committed to the business. The discussions haven't happened yet. I've got my team working on stuff and when they eventually connect, we'll see if something gets worked out," replied Joe.
Joe mentioned Powerhouse Hobbs and a proper program with Jon Moxley as two possibilities for him when asked who he would like to face in AEW should he join the company.
Elsewhere during the interview, Joe explained his decision to relinquish the NXT Championship. You can find his comments by clicking here.
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