What Happened to Nuufolau Joel Seanoa (Samoa Joe)?

Nuufolau Joel Seanoa, known professionally as Samoa Joe, began his wrestling career in December 1999, quickly establishing himself with a unique blend of martial arts and submission-based offense. His early career saw him in Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) and Pro Wrestling ZERO1 in Japan, but it was his tenure in Ring of Honor (ROH) that truly propelled him to prominence. Joining ROH in 2002, Joe captured the ROH World Championship on March 22, 2003, holding the title for a record-setting 21 months, a reign that included critically acclaimed matches against Bryan Danielson and a legendary trilogy with CM Punk.

In June 2005, Joe debuted in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), embarking on an unprecedented 19-month undefeated streak. During his decade-long run with TNA, he became a TNA Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion, holding the TNA World Heavyweight Championship once, the X Division Championship five times, the World Tag Team Championship twice, and the Television Championship once. His departure from TNA in 2015 marked a new chapter as he joined WWE's NXT brand, where he quickly became the first-ever three-time NXT Champion. He then transitioned to the main roster in January 2017, securing the WWE United States Championship twice and headlining several major events. Due to accumulated injuries, he also spent time as a color commentator.

Joe was released by WWE in April 2021, rehired in June 2021 to win his third NXT Championship, and then released again in January 2022. Shortly after, in April 2022, he signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and concurrently returned to ROH, which had been acquired by AEW owner Tony Khan. He was also inducted into the inaugural class of the ROH Hall of Fame in January 2022. In AEW and ROH, Joe continued his championship success, winning the ROH World Television Championship, the AEW TNT Championship twice, and the AEW World Championship twice, making him the only wrestler to have held the AEW, ROH, and TNA World Championships.

His most recent AEW World Championship reign began in December 2023. He also held the AEW World Trios Championship with Katsuyori Shibata and Powerhouse Hobbs as 'The Opps' from April 2025 until January 2026. Joe was sidelined with an injury sustained during training in late January 2026, with his last match before the injury being on January 21, 2026. He provided positive updates on his recovery in March 2026, hinting at an imminent return. Samoa Joe officially returned to in-ring action on April 22, 2026, on AEW Dynamite. As of May 2026, he is actively competing in AEW, having faced Will Ospreay in the Owen Hart Cup Quarterfinal at AEW Double or Nothing on May 24, 2026. Joe has publicly stated that his current AEW contract will likely be his last, reflecting on his extensive 25-year career and the physical toll it has taken.