Samoa Joe has long been respected as a veteran in the wrestling industry, but AEW President Tony Khan believes his contributions at the first All In went far beyond the ring.
In an interview with Case Lowe of Q101, Khan reflected on AEW All In 2023 at Wembley Stadium, calling it the “most stressful pay-per-view… by far” in the company’s history. The event was famously marred by a backstage altercation between CM Punk and Jack Perry just moments before the opening match. Khan credited Samoa Joe, Punk’s opponent that night, for being the stabilizing force that kept the show on the rails.
“Samoa Joe saved the day there,” Khan stated. “I think it was very good that Samoa Joe deescalated the situation and also that Samoa Joe made sure that the fans got the match that they had paid to see.”
Khan praised Joe’s leadership and professionalism, noting that he went out and delivered a great match despite the chaos occurring backstage.
“He exemplifies Samoa Joe in the ring and out of the ring, the most professional man… A captain, a true captain of a team and I’m very blessed that he’s in AEW.”