Tony Khan has publicly commended AEW wrestler Samoa Joe for “saving the day” at All In 2023 following a backstage incident involving CM Punk. During AEW All In London 2023, CM Punk participated in his final match with the company, facing Samoa Joe for the legitimate AEW World Championship at the event’s start. Prior to this match, Punk was involved in a backstage altercation with Jack Perry after Perry’s buy-in match, which led to Punk’s dismissal from AEW a week afterward. Video footage of the dispute aired on Dynamite in April, showing Samoa Joe stepping in to defuse the situation.
On a Q101 interview, Tony Khan described this event as the most stressful pay-per-view of his tenure in AEW and praised Samoa Joe’s professionalism and leadership. Khan expressed deep appreciation for Joe’s role in calming tensions and ensuring the match went on smoothly, acknowledging Joe as a true leader both inside and outside the ring. He highlighted Joe’s importance to AEW, calling him one of the greatest people he has met and a captain for the company.
Khan also took the opportunity to praise another leading AEW star during the interview, underscoring the caliber of talent within the promotion.
Fan Take: This news highlights the critical behind-the-scenes roles that wrestlers like Samoa Joe play in maintaining professionalism and stability during high-pressure moments in AEW. For fans, it reassures that despite conflicts, the promotion remains committed to delivering top-quality wrestling entertainment and fostering strong leadership within its roster, which bodes well for the sport’s ongoing growth and credibility.
