Samoa Joe Poised for a Thrilling Return to AEW Ring Amid Fan Anticipation
In a miles-predicted comeback, former AEW World Champion Samoa Joe, regarded for his fierce in-ring prowess and charismatic presence, is reportedly set to go back to the squared circle after a hiatus. The forty five-year-old wrestling icon, hailing from West Huntington Beach, California, remaining seemed on AEW television on July 10, whilst he squared off against Chris Jericho in a brutal Stadium Stampede fit on Dynamite. This fiercely contested bout saw Jericho, a wrestling legend in his own right, riding Joe through a wall after putting him on a forklift—an unforgettable image that left enthusiasts in shock and awe.
The healthy ended via referee stoppage, with Samoa Joe leaving the arena in an ambulance, signaling an extreme and temporary farewell from the AEW degree. His absence left a sizeable void in AEW programming, specially as he had simply come off a huge 113-day reign as AEW World Champion. Joe’s identify reign, which culminated with a loss to Swerve Strickland at the high-stakes AEW Dynasty occasion on April 21, 2024, had solidified his position as a fan-preferred, and his go out from the hoop left many questioning when—or if—he could return.
According to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, Joe’s return is now drawing close, as filming for the second season of the Peacock series “Twisted Metal,” wherein Joe plays a major position, has formally wrapped up. With no final filming duties, Joe is reportedly free to resume his AEW profession, a chunk of information that has pleased his loyal fanatics. The excitement is palpable across social media, in which wrestling lovers are eager to see what fresh depth he will bring lower back to the AEW roster.
Retirement of Former AEW Star Marko Stunt Marks End of an Era
While fans rejoice on the news of Samoa Joe’s impending return, the AEW network additionally lately bid a bittersweet farewell to any other cherished figure—Marko Stunt. The 28-yr-antique former CCW Heavyweight Champion and fan-favourite made his AEW debut in 2019, captivating audiences together with his unique fashion and underdog spirit. As a member of the Jurassic Express faction along Luchasaurus and “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry, Stunt quickly became a staple of the AEW logo, regarded for his resilience and unconventional charisma.
Unfortunately, following his release from AEW in June 2022, Stunt struggled with lingering accidents that hampered his potential to retain competing. On November 2, 2024, he introduced his retirement from wrestling, mentioning his ongoing conflict with injuries and the toll they’d taken on his frame. Fans and fellow wrestlers alike have poured out messages of help for Stunt, celebrating his contributions to the game and acknowledging the courage it takes to step away.
For AEW, this twin development represents each a go back and a farewell. Samoa Joe’s comeback guarantees a new chapter for the wrestling massive, at the same time as Stunt’s retirement closes the ebook on one of the most specific testimonies in AEW’s young history. As Joe prepares to step lower back into the spotlight, the wrestling global is reminded of the ephemeral nature of careers in the ring—moments of glory and departures, returns and retirements, woven together inside the ever-evolving tapestry of expert wrestling.