Ahead of his AEW World Championship match at the WrestleDream pay-per-view, Samoa Joe received exceptionally high praise from veteran announcer Tony Schiavone. On his What Happened When podcast, Schiavone called Joe one of the most professional individuals he has ever worked with in the wrestling business.
“He is one of the most professional guys I’ve ever worked with backstage, ever,” Schiavone stated emphatically. “When you tell Joe, ‘Hey, Joe, we got a pre-tape for you to do.’ He goes, ‘Okay,’ gets his Trios belt, or back when he had the World Title belt, got that, and will follow you and go do the pre-tape immediately. Doesn’t say, ‘Well, I got to call my match, or I’ve got to go to catering.’ He’s just such a pro, and it’s been an absolute honor to be able to work with him.”
Schiavone went on to say that this professionalism has earned Joe the universal respect of his peers in the AEW locker room. “Everybody respects Samoa Joe. Everybody. Everybody watches his matches, likes to learn from what he can do. He’s just wonderful. He’s got the respect of everyone backstage.”
Because of this respect, Schiavone believes no one in the company would be upset to see Joe become the world champion once again. “I don’t think anybody would be upset if Samoa Joe won,” he said. “I think they would think the world title would be in good hands if he won.”
Samoa Joe is scheduled to challenge “Hangman” Adam Page for the AEW World Championship at the WrestleDream pay-per-view on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Joe previously held the championship for 113 days, and is also a former two-time TNT Champion and the reigning ROH World Television Champion.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit What Happened When with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
