Samoa Joe Wins First AEW Match in 136 Days, Earns WrestleDream Opportunity

Samoa Joe is back in competitive action, and the former WWE champion immediately reminded AEW fans why he has been regarded as one of the most formidable performers in professional wrestling.

Joe stepped back into the AEW ring at Grand Slam France to face Jack Perry. The contest marked his first match in 136 days after his previous bout against Will Ospreay at Double or Nothing.

After more than four months away from in-ring competition, Joe did not waste his opportunity. He defeated Perry in a hard-fought encounter and secured an important opportunity heading into WrestleDream.

Why Samoa Joe Was Away From the Ring

Samoa Joe’s absence followed his last AEW match against Will Ospreay at Double or Nothing. While he remained an important name within the AEW landscape, fans had to wait several months before seeing him compete again.

His eventual return took place during the All Out buy-in. Jack Perry had repeatedly called out Joe, setting the stage for their eventual confrontation.

When Perry attempted to establish a more respectful interaction by offering a handshake, Joe responded aggressively and put him down with a headbutt. The moment made it clear that their rivalry was not going to be settled through words alone.

Jack Perry Calls Out Samoa Joe

Jack Perry played a major role in bringing Samoa Joe back into the spotlight. The former TNT Champion repeatedly challenged Joe, eventually forcing the veteran to answer his calls.

The confrontation at All Out created the foundation for their match at Grand Slam France. AEW later confirmed that Joe and Perry would meet inside the ring, giving Perry the chance to prove himself against one of the company’s most experienced stars.

Perry entered the contest with plenty of confidence, but Joe’s experience and physical style presented a difficult challenge. The match ultimately demonstrated the difference that veteran experience can make in a high-pressure singles contest.

Samoa Joe Defeats Jack Perry at Grand Slam France

The match between Samoa Joe and Jack Perry became one of the key attractions at Grand Slam France.

Perry attempted to overcome Joe and find a way to neutralize the veteran’s strengths. However, Joe remained composed throughout the contest and eventually secured the victory.

The win was especially significant because it came in Joe’s first match following a 136-day absence. Instead of needing time to rebuild momentum, the former WWE champion returned with an important victory immediately.

For Perry, the defeat represented another difficult lesson against an established AEW star. For Joe, it provided exactly the kind of result he needed to re-establish himself in the singles picture.

Winning Has Earned Samoa Joe a Major Opportunity

Samoa Joe’s victory over Jack Perry carries consequences beyond the result of a single match.

With the win, Joe earned a place in the Clockwork Carnage match at WrestleDream. The bout will give him an opportunity to challenge for the AEW World Championship.

That development could quickly put Joe back into one of AEW’s most important championship conversations.

Samoa Joe’s Championship Experience

Joe’s credibility comes from a long career at the highest level of professional wrestling. During his WWE run, he became a three-time NXT Champion and a two-time United States Champion.

His championship résumé also helped establish him as a wrestler who can immediately become part of major storylines whenever he is healthy and active.

His time in AEW has added another chapter to that career. Joe has consistently been presented as a dangerous and experienced competitor, making his return particularly important for AEW’s singles division.

From WWE Release to Twisted Metal

Samoa Joe has previously spoken about how his career changed shortly after his WWE release.

While speaking at Grace Family Church, Joe explained that being released from WWE initially felt like a difficult moment. However, he soon received an unexpected opportunity connected to the television series Twisted Metal.

According to Joe, he received a call from a longtime friend only a few hours after learning about his WWE release. The opportunity eventually led to him starring in the Peacock series.

Joe recalled that his wife had encouraged him to remain confident that things would work out. The unexpected acting opportunity became an important turning point in his career away from wrestling.

Samoa Joe’s Career Beyond Wrestling

Joe’s involvement with Twisted Metal demonstrated that his career could extend beyond professional wrestling.

The series gave him an opportunity to showcase another side of his abilities while continuing to build his reputation outside the ring. His transition between wrestling and acting also became an interesting part of his professional journey.

Despite those opportunities, Joe’s return to AEW competition shows that professional wrestling remains a major part of his career.

What Samoa Joe’s Return Means for AEW

Joe’s return gives AEW another established performer for its championship scene. His experience, physical wrestling style and previous title success make him a valuable addition to major events.

More importantly, his victory over Jack Perry immediately gives his comeback momentum. Instead of returning simply for a one-off appearance, Joe has been placed into a storyline that could lead directly toward an AEW World Championship opportunity.

The Clockwork Carnage match at WrestleDream will therefore be an important test of whether Joe can turn his successful return into another championship run.

Jack Perry’s Role in Joe’s Comeback

Although Perry lost the match, his involvement was central to the story. His repeated challenges forced Joe to respond and ultimately created the match that marked Joe’s return to in-ring competition.

Perry has continued to establish himself as a notable AEW performer, and sharing the ring with a veteran such as Joe gives him another high-profile experience.

The rivalry also allowed AEW to build Joe’s comeback around an existing storyline instead of bringing him back without a clear direction.

What Comes Next for Samoa Joe?

The immediate focus for Samoa Joe is the Clockwork Carnage match at WrestleDream. His victory over Jack Perry has already placed him in position to compete for an AEW World Championship opportunity.

That makes the next stage of his AEW run particularly important. A successful performance at WrestleDream could potentially move Joe closer to another championship challenge.

At the same time, his return leaves AEW with several possible directions for future rivalries. His established reputation means that a number of top-level opponents could become potential challengers.

Samoa Joe’s AEW Comeback at a Glance

• Samoa Joe returned to AEW in-ring competition after 136 days.
• His previous match was against Will Ospreay at Double or Nothing.
• Joe returned during the All Out buy-in after Jack Perry repeatedly called him out.
• He defeated Jack Perry at Grand Slam France.
• The victory earned Joe a place in the Clockwork Carnage match at WrestleDream.
• Joe will now have an opportunity to move toward the AEW World Championship picture.

Final Thoughts

Samoa Joe’s return could hardly have gone better. After 136 days away from competitive action, the former WWE champion defeated Jack Perry at Grand Slam France and immediately earned a major opportunity at WrestleDream.

His comeback also adds another experienced name to AEW’s championship landscape. With his extensive championship background and established reputation, Joe remains capable of becoming a significant factor in the company’s biggest storylines.

The next major question is whether Joe can turn his successful return into another AEW World Championship opportunity. WrestleDream and the Clockwork Carnage match will provide the next answer.