It’s fair to say AEW has seen plenty of controversy in recent times, particularly relating to CM Punk and his well-documented backstage altercations with The Elite and Jack Perry respectively. With Punk’s termination from the promotion back in September and Samoa Joe firmly establishing himself as its face after dethroning MJF of the AEW World Championship, it’s hard to shake the feeling that a new era is beginning to dawn for the company.
Joe spoke about his ambitions following his title win at AEW World’s End in a brand-new interview with Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso. Specifically, he alluded to some of the controversies that have enveloped the promotion over the last few years and how they may have taken fans’ focus away from the entertainment value of AEW’s programming.
“I understand the world of professional wrestling,” said Joe. “I’ve seen things work at a very high level, and I understand the type of people backstage that it takes for that to happen. I try to be that person. As champion, you’re the standard-bearer. I’m more than happy to take up that mantle. I really want to make a focus of getting the fans’ attention back on the conflict in the ring, and a lot of the petty stuff needs to melt away. Let’s get back to entertaining people.”
Later, the recently crowned AEW World Champion expanded on those thoughts when he discussed his hopes for his championship reign in particular being a focus on great in-ring competition.
“My goal is to have really great matchups with extraordinary individuals, which we have in spades on this roster, and give fans a reason to tune in,” said Joe. “Something is about to go down, and it’s going to be violent. That’s the vision I have for my reign, and I’m looking forward to executing it.”