Samoa Joe explains ‘Nope’ spot: ‘Cavemen understood this’

  • Ian Carey
  • By 

Samoa Joe says his “Nope” spot is not rocket science. 

Joe casually moving out of the way of an opponent’s diving attack is a common occurrence in his matches. The AEW World Champion spent some time speaking to Sports Illustrated about the spot recently. 

“As a small youth in my younger days, if I saw something large or very destructive coming toward me, it was only natural to step aside,” said Joe. “It’s not rocket science.”

“The cavemen understood this, too,” he continued. “If you see a rock coming toward you from the top of the hill, move a little to the left.”

Some of Joe’s more popular editions of the spot took place during matches with Jon Cruz and Gravity. 

Joe defeated MJF to win the AEW World title at Worlds End last month. He’s now held the top titles in NXT, AEW, TNA, and Ring of Honor. Later in his interview with SI.com, Joe said that he’s exceeded expectations of him everywhere he’s worked and will continue to prove the naysayers wrong. 

“I don’t harp on the fact that I’m not a chosen one,” said Joe. “It’s never stopped me from doing anything I wanted to accomplish in this industry. The only people who believe that are the naysayers. I’ve proven them wrong throughout the entirety of my career, and I’ll continue to do so.

“I knew I was the truth from the get-go. There’s nothing anyone can say that will stop that.”