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One of the non-WWE things the wrestling internet is getting itself worked up about this morning is an announcement from Northeast Wrestling (NEW) about two August dates they have booked for Samoa Joe.
The hub-bub comes from the appearance that these dates would mean the former Ring of Honor and TNA champ hasn't signed with WWE as expected - or even that it contradicts recent rumors that he's signed a multi-year deal and will debut Wednesday night at NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable.
Here's the promo copy from NEW:
There are many rumors where Samoa Joe may be going or where he may end up. NEW fans there is one thing for sure - this is not a rumor this is a fact. Samoa Joe returns to Northeast Wrestling as a part of our Wrestling Under the Stars Tour on Saturday, August 1st at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, NY and Sunday, August 2nd at a location to be announced next week. On August 1st he will be joined by Rey Mysterio, Alberto El Patron fka Alberto Del Rio, The Young Bucks, Mickie James, Velvet Sky, NEW Champion Matt Taven, Brian Anthony and many other superstars to be announced. Tickets for this event are on sale now at www.northeastwrestling.com.
There are a few reasons why this likely has no bearing on Joe & WWE:
1) Nowhere in the announcement does it say that Samoa Joe will be wrestling on a Wrestling Under the Stars event for Northeast. He could be signing, something a WWE contract wouldn't necessarily prohibit him from doing.
2) NEW frequently works with WWE talent like Booker T and Jerry Lawler. Current NXT champ Kevin Owens wrestled dates for the promotion after he signed his WWE contract (but before he debuted on NXT).
3) Joe just might kill them.
Promoters. Spend less time being "smart" & more time putting together a crisp, & professional live event experience for your fans. #Business
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) May 18, 2015
So there you have it. As some of you know, I try to take a very "I'll believe it when he shows up" approach to guys changing companies - if for no other reason than to not get too disappointed if it doesn't happen - but there's nothing in this announcement that makes it look like Joe won't be coming to WWE soon.
Do you think he'll be on WWE Network this Wednesday night?