According to new reports, former AEW World Champion Samoa Joe is currently in concussion protocol.
Joe has been sidelined with an injury, and there are currently no confirmed updates on his possible in-ring return timeline. Last week on Dynamite, it was announced that Joe had sustained a non-contact injury and was not cleared for in-ring competition.
Recently, Fightful Select confirmed the story and reported Joe to be currently in AEW’s concussion protocol. Although it did not provide any details on the severity of the injury or an update on his return.
With Joe now out and injured, HOOK has stepped up as The Opps’ new leader with just Katsuyori Shibata under him. Joe’s last match dates to the January 21st match against Mike Bailey.
For months, Joe was “factored in to the top of the card programs,” especially the AEW World Championship. However, following his injury, plans were adjusted, and Andrade El Idolo was factored into the plans.
Reportedly, AEW was happy with El Idolo’s performance, especially his beating Swerve Strickland on the January 28th episode of Dynamite. Later, he went on to defeat Kenny Omega on the February 4th episode of Dynamite. El Idolo is next set to face Adam Page at AEW Grand Slam Australia, with the winner facing MJF/Brody King for the World title.
