Samoa Joe Has Returned to In-Ring Competition
The veteran wrestler will face Jack Perry at Grand Slam: France following a return to active duty.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Wrestling
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Samoa Joe has officially returned to in-ring competition for AEW, ending his recent absence from the wrestling circuit. The veteran athlete is scheduled to face Jack Perry at the upcoming Grand Slam: France event.
Why it matters
Joe, who was previously sidelined from wrestling due to head injuries, has spent recent time fulfilling Hollywood commitments. His return marks a transition back to active wrestling after his most recent match at Double or Nothing in May 2026.
Samoa Joe most recently competed at Double or Nothing in May 2026. He previously secured a role in the Twisted Metal series just four hours after his release from WWE in 2022.
The players
Samoa Joe
He is a professional wrestler who has previously held the NXT championship and starred in the Twisted Metal television series.
Jack Perry
He is a professional wrestler currently set to face Samoa Joe at the Grand Slam: France event.
The details
Samoa Joe confronted Jack Perry following a public call-out, setting the stage for their upcoming match at Grand Slam: France. This return follows years of professional pivots, including a period spent on the WWE commentary desk starting in 2020 and a return to NXT in 2021.
Timeline
Samoa Joe moved to the WWE commentary desk in 2020.
He returned to an on-screen role with NXT in 2021.
Samoa Joe was released from his WWE contract in 2022.
He last competed at Double or Nothing in May 2026.
Joe returns to in-ring competition in October 2026.
Season Trajectory
This return significantly shifts the competitive balance of the current AEW season by reintroducing a veteran performer to the active roster. It alters the playoff and event picture leading into major cards like Grand Slam.
The match confirms a high-profile showdown for the upcoming Grand Slam: France card. Fans can expect significant changes to the active wrestler rotation following Joe's return.
The takeaway
Professional wrestling rosters remain highly fluid as veteran athletes frequently transition between media projects and active competition. Following the path of performers like Samoa Joe requires managing long-term physical health alongside evolving career demands.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, check out the Wrestling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportskeeda.
Live Poll
Should athletes return to high-impact sports after suffering multiple concussions?
