Samoa Joe and Brock Lesnar had one of WWE‘s most heated rivalries in 2017, largely because Joe flat-out refused to show any fear in the presence of the Universal Champion.
Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet in an interview originally published on April 3, 2025, Joe revealed that Lesnar actually appreciated that unpredictable edge. The current AEW star said Brock fully understood what he was going for with the confrontational approach.
“Brock really liked the kind of chaotic energy I brought to things. He loved that I would say whatever I wanted to say to him to his face.”
“He understood what I’m trying to do.”
One of the defining moments of the rivalry played out on the June 12, 2017 episode of RAW, when Joe headbutted Lesnar during a confrontation. The exchange escalated into a brawl that required security and several roster members to pull them apart. Two weeks later, Joe managed to lock Lesnar in the Coquina Clutch.
The feud built to a Universal Championship main event at Great Balls of Fire on July 9, 2017. Joe attacked Lesnar before the opening bell and locked in the Coquina Clutch three times during the match, but was ultimately defeated after taking an F-5.
Joe also admitted to Van Vliet that he pushed things a little further than planned in some of his promos. Triple H reportedly enjoyed the intensity, while Vince McMahon’s reaction was considerably cooler.