Samoa Joe debuted under the umbrella of AEW and ROH this past spring, and enjoyed some immediate success as ROH TV Champion and a finalist in the Owen Hart Cup men’s tournament. He has been conspicuously absent since, though, after he successfully defended his title against Jay Lethal at ROH Death Before Dishonor, only to be attacked post-match by Lethal, Sonjay Dutt and Satnam Singh, causing a kayfabe shoulder injury. Joe’s return to action may be right around the corner.

Why Has Samoa Joe Been Absent From AEW?

Samoa Joe Tony Schiavone AEW

Though Samoa Joe was sidelined quite a bit in the latter stretches of his WWE career due to legitimate injuries, his absence from AEW can be attributed to an acting role. Joe was cast as Sweet Tooth in Peacock’s television adaptation of the video game Twisted Metal. Word came out on Twitter over the weekend (h/t Wrestling Observer) that filming had wrapped for season one. IMDb only lists Joe as appearing in one of the ten episodes, which means he should most certainly be clear now in terms of his obligations to appear on set, and thus available to get back on AEW television.

Could Samoa Joe Return At AEW All Out?

Samoa Joe AEW Entrance

Jay Lethal’s band of allies in AEW has recently expanded with the announcement last week he’ll team up with The Motor City Machine Guns at the All Out PPV on September 4 against Wardlow and FTR. It wouldn’t make much sense for Samoa Joe to be added to the match at this point.

Related: AEW All Out 2022 Guide: Match Card, PredictionsJust the same, with Sonjay Dutt and Satnam Singh lurking, there’s every chance this group might use the numbers game to their advantage, particularly in a post-match attack. Things could come full circle with Joe preventing the heels from injuring anyone else when he returns to come to their rescue. That's not to mention the potential for a lowkey dream match scenario if Wardlow didn't want Joe's help and set up a collision between them.

AEW has established a history of surprise debuts and returns during major shows, including last year’s All Out featuring first AEW appearances from Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole. Samoa Joe coming back after only a couple months away isn’t quite as dramatic, but would nonetheless be sure to pop the crowd and make sense for the story being told. Whether the comeback occurs at All Out or another setting, though, Joe will be a welcome addition back into the mix as AEW’s roster returns to full strength.

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