WWE star Samoa Joe was recently interviewed by TV Insider to discuss several professional wrestling topics. The former NXT Champion talked about Daniel Bryan’s in-ring return for WWE, indy wrestling, Ring Of Honor selling out Madison Square Garden, and SmackDown Live moving over to FOX in 2019. Here are the highlights:
Daniel Bryan’s in-ring return for WWE:
“When he returned to the ring I approached it initially with trepidation because you are concerned, and Bryan is definitely an individual where his heart is bigger than his head at certain points. He is has done his due diligence and worked tirelessly with the concern of his own health on the line.
“Seeing what he has went through and the protocols, it’s good to see him back. It’s no surprise he is in the mix doing what he does.”
Indy wrestling:
“I think just now you’re seeing guys fully harness their potential on the independents and treat themselves as businesses. It wasn’t really done in the past with really just a select few. There were guys like myself, Bryan, AJ and a laundry list. Now you’re seeing guys crunching the numbers.
“That is something a lot of guys didn’t do back then. They didn’t sit there and figure merch. They didn’t think of it like a business. They treated as a weekend warrior hobby. I’m very happy to see this. I hope it continues to thrive, and they continue to bring interest. The landscape of the fan base has broadened so much. I think there is a lot of opportunities out there.”
ROH selling out MSG:
“I feel like the more buzz and competition that is out there creates a better marketplace for everybody. I’m excited, especially for the people involved. I still know a lot of guys in the office for a good amount of years. They work tirelessly. It’s good to see them thrive and doing well.”
WWE and FOX’s new broadcast deal for SmackDown Live:
“The move will have a massive impact. Something that is missing from the primetime, mainstream lineup is something that is live. To have SmackDown Live on Fox is a big opportunity for WWE and a lot of the superstars. It’s a big introduction back into a large portion of mainstream America. I’m looking forward to it.”
