Samoa Joe has made his first public appearance since departing WWE, making a surprise return to Ring of Honor before becoming All Elite!
The 3-time NXT Champion stunned fans at ROH Supercard of Honor XV when he made a shock appearance to close the show, marking his first Ring of Honor appearance in seven years.
Following a great main event that saw Jonathan Gresham become the Undisputed ROH World Champion, Jay Lethal interrupted his celebration and laid down the gauntlet to be the new champion’s first challenger. Gresham declined, however, due to Lethal’s dishonourable actions as of late, most grievously using a low blow to secure a win over Lee Moriarty earlier in the night.
Tensions between the two flared into a brawl, prompting producer Sonjay Dutt to appear who sided with Lethal and helped him beat down both Gresham and Moriarty who attempted to make the save. As Lethal held Gresham’s titles high in triumph, however, he was interrupted by the returning Samoa Joe!
The ROH original came face-to-face with Lethal, backing him out of the ring, but not before locking in the Coquina Clutch on Dutt to send a message. As the show went off-the-air, Joe shook hands with Gresham and Ian Riccaboni announced that Joe will be appearing on AEW Dynamite this Wednesday to explain his appearance.
Shortly after, Tony Khan confirmed via Twitter that the Dynamite appearance won’t be a one-off as Samoa Joe has signed with AEW!
It’s official! @SamoaJoe is ALL ELITE! See you on Wednesday at #AEWDynamite! #SupercardOfHonor@AEWpic.twitter.com/n29KnFhCBP
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) April 2, 2022
Elsewhere on Supercard of Honor: Wheeler Yuta got an upset win over Josh Woods to capture the Pure Championship, FTR came out triumphant after a war with The Briscoes to win the World Tag Team Championships, The Young Bucks made a surprise appearance and Mercedes Martinez overcame Willow Nightingale to become the Interim Women’s Champion!