Triple H discusses Samoa Joe’s new NXT role, recent WWE cuts
In a new interview, Triple H talked about Samoa Joe’s new role in NXT after being released earlier this year, as well as other cuts that have taken place in recent months.
Talking to the New York Post, Triple H said that the plan for Joe to work behind the scenes for NXT was something that was being talked about prior to Joe being released on April 15 of this year.
“It was something that we were already talking about anyways,” he said “And what people tend to focus on, because it’s the visual, is the in front of the camera, the character side of it. But what Joe and I have been talking about for a long period of time, before COVID, probably from the time he started in WWE in general [is] that’s he’s a very smart guy that’s very business-oriented, has a level head, and all those things. And [we discussed,] ‘What is the future like and how can he help build the future,’ and he was enamored with the other side of the business and what we do.”
“There was an opportunity for him to transition, no different than you would say, ‘Well, he was released from this pitching contract and started managing the team and became a coach.’ It’s a similar situation” Triple H added.
When asked about the recent string of WWE cuts that have taken place over the last year, Triple H said that it was something that all companies had to do eventually, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Coming out of COVID and a pandemic and everything else, all companies are having to make difficult decisions and we were no different,” he said. “It’s a part of what we do and it happens on a regular basis, all companies have to do it. It’s not the most pleasant part of what you do, but it is what it is.”
In an interview with Ryan Satin, Joe said that he had been contacted about coming back to NXT a few hours after he was released. In addition to his on-screen role as an enforcer for NXT, he is also working in the talent scouting department, as well as other administrative jobs.