Samoa Joe isn’t afraid to take on all comers, and he’d love to take on top NJPW star Kazuchika Okada.
The main event of AEW Worlds Ends on December 30th saw Samoa Joe defeat MJF to become the new AEW World Heavyweight Champion. Speaking in a recent interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, the new champion opened up about his goals as champion, making it clear that he takes the responsibility very seriously.
“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.”
Continuing, Joe made it clear that he wants to put on excellent matchups to give fans a reason to tune into AEW programming.
“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. 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.”
Samoa Joe Wants To Face Multiple Top Stars For The AEW Championship
When it comes to potential opponents, Joe first named a number of AEW stars he’d like to face inside the squared circle.
“Kenny Omega, when he’s healthy, and Will Ospreay. Swerve Strickland and Hangman, they’re both waiting for me. The matchups we can do are infinite. The possibilities going into this year are wide and varied, and it’s going to be very fun.”
Samoa Joe then turned his attention to former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada, someone he’s never had the opportunity to wrestle. On the subject of Okada, Joe had this to say:
“That’s another first-time, fresh matchup you won’t see anywhere else. He can come get it, too. That’s for anyone. If someone feels like they want it, then show up–and we’ll see what you’ve got. But if you come up lame, I will laugh in your face.”
On the January 6th episode of Collision, Samoa Joe received a challenge from FTW Champion Hook.