Last week, Samoa Joe finally made his WWE debut at NXT Takeover: Unstoppable, getting in the face of NXT Champion Kevin Owens. Since then, there’s been speculation about what kind of deal he might have signed with WWE. Word is that Joe has a deal similar to Rhyno that allows him to continue doing indies while working for WWE, although it seems Joe has more freedom, or is simply pushing the concept further.
Yesterday, ROH announced on Twitter that Joe will be performing on their Aftershock TV tapings June 20 in New York. ROH has been unclear on whether his match will be taped for television. Most expect it won’t be, but Joe has been defying a lot of expectations lately. Despite not keeping things exclusive, Joe also has a merchandise deal with WWE (something Rhyno doesn’t have).
If this all seems a bit strange, well, get over it you squares. Joe is defying preconceived notions, man…
I warned you 2015 was going to be wild and unpredictable.
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) May 26, 2015
Do yourself a favor, put away your preconceived notions of how you think business is done and understand we are re-writing the book
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) May 26, 2015
Joe’s opponent at the June 20 taping will be unveiled later this morning. I’ll update this story when it’s announced.
Update: ROH has announced Joe will be teaming with AJ Styles to face ROH tag team champs Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian at the show.
(Via Wrestling Inc. and Twitter)
