Samoa Joe is once again on the sidelines, and this time it’s due to a concussion. The former two-time AEW World Champion has been pulled from in-ring competition, and there’s currently no clear timeline for his return. The news broke last week on AEW Dynamite, where it was announced that Joe had sustained a non-contact injury.
Now, reports confirm that he’s in concussion protocol — a serious setback, especially considering Joe’s history with similar injuries during his WWE run.
Samoa Joe in Concussion Protocol
According to Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, Samoa Joe is recovering under AEW’s concussion protocol. Details about the severity of his condition haven’t been shared publicly, but the injury is serious enough to keep him out of action for the foreseeable future.
This isn’t the first time Joe has dealt with head injuries. In 2020, during his time with WWE, he suffered two back-to-back concussions that forced him out of the ring for several months. He later spent an extended period on commentary, highlighting just how cautious companies must be with concussion-related injuries.
AEW Makes Adjustments Amid Joe’s Absence
Joe’s injury has forced AEW to shuffle its plans at the top of the card. He was originally slated to be a major part of the World Championship picture heading into AEW Revolution, but with him out, Andrade has stepped into the spotlight.
Andrade’s recent rise has been impressive:
- Defeated Swerve Strickland – A major win that turned heads.
- Beat Kenny Omega – A huge moment that pushed him further up the card.
- Set to face “Hangman” Adam Page – The winner of this match at AEW Grand Slam Australia will go on to challenge for the AEW World Championship at AEW Revolution.
With Joe out, Andrade is seizing the opportunity and running with it — and fans seem to be responding well.
More Bad News for The Opps
Samoa Joe’s injury is just the latest blow for The Opps, the faction he leads in AEW. They’ve had a rough stretch lately:
- Lost the AEW World Trios Championships to Hangman Page, Kevin Knight, and Mike Bailey.
- Powerhouse Hobbs exited AEW and debuted in WWE under the new ring name Royce Keys at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.
- Now Samoa Joe is injured, leaving the faction without its leader.
That leaves Hook and one other member to carry on, with Hook now stepping up as interim leader. On AEW Collision, he called himself the “greatest second-generation wrestler of all time” and promised to keep The Opps alive in Joe’s absence.
What’s Next for Samoa Joe and AEW?
While Joe’s return date is still uncertain, AEW fans are hoping for a full recovery. His history with concussions means the company will likely take a cautious approach, prioritising health over a quick comeback.
Joe had been involved in some of AEW’s biggest storylines recently, and his absence will surely be felt. Still, AEW seems to be adjusting well, building new rivalries and pushing stars like Andrade and Hook to the forefront.
Samoa Joe’s injury comes at a crucial time in AEW’s calendar, just ahead of major events like Grand Slam Australia and AEW Revolution. While he’s out, others are stepping up, but there’s no doubt that fans will miss his intensity, leadership, and big-match presence. Here’s hoping for a safe and speedy return for one of wrestling’s most respected veterans.
