AEW champion Samoa Joe wants to put focus ‘back on the conflict in the ring’

Samoa Joe wants to get back to entertaining people.

Joe spoke with Sports Illustrated recently about his goals as the new AEW World Champion. He told Justin Barrasso that he wants to put fans’ focus back on the in-ring product and let some of the “petty stuff” melt away. 

Joe said:

“I understand the world of professional wrestling,” said Joe. “I’ve seen things work at a very high level, and I understand the type of people backstage that it takes for that to happen. I try to be that person.

As champion, you’re the standard-bearer. I’m more than happy to take up that mantle. I really want to make a focus of getting the fans’ attention back on the conflict in the ring, and a lot of the petty stuff needs to melt away. Let’s get back to entertaining people.”

Joe continued to say he’s looking forward to defending his title against “extraordinary individuals” on the AEW roster. 

He continued: 

“My goal is to have really great matchups with extraordinary individuals, which we have in spades on this roster, and give fans a reason to tune in,” said Joe. “Something is about to go down, and it’s going to be violent. That’s the vision I have for my reign, and I’m looking forward to executing it.”

On Saturday’s episode of Collision, Joe was called out for a title shot by Hook. Joe is scheduled to be at Daily’s Place for AEW Dynamite Homecoming tonight and will likely respond to the challenge. 

Joe became the seventh wrestler to win the AEW World Championship when he did so at Worlds End. MJF’s title reign finished at 406 days and 10 successful defenses.