Add as a preferred source on Google Samoa Joe is expected to be away from AEW programming for the next few months, coming at an important time for The Opps.
On the latest AEW Dynamite/Collision, Joe appeared backstage alongside HOOK, Katsuyori Shibata and Anthony Bowens, saying that “Hollywood is calling” and that he would need to step away for a while. After Joe left, HOOK immediately stepped forward for the group, reinforcing his leadership role.
According to PWInsider, the most likely reason for Joe’s absence is the start of filming for the third season of Twisted Metal, the Peacock series that is expected to film in Canada soon.
Joe physically portrays Sweet Tooth, while Will Arnett provides the voice of the masked clown. The series has been renewed for a third season, with production tied to Toronto and David Reed taking over as showrunner.
The time away also comes just days after Joe lost to Will Ospreay at AEW Double or Nothing in an Owen Hart Foundation tournament match. According to F4WOnline, the veteran has wrestled only five matches in 2026 after recently returning from a concussion.
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As of now, AEW has not announced a return date for Samoa Joe. The expectation is that HOOK will get more room within The Opps during his absence, while Shibata and Bowens remain connected to the group.