AEW Figure Names Star That Has Respect Of The Entire Locker Room

Everyone in AEW looks up to one particular star.

At WrestleDream, Samoa Joe will challenge “Hangman” Adam Page for the AEW World Championship.

The pair had appeared to be on the same page after teaming up to beat the Death Riders, but an argument broke out after the match. This led to Page calling out Joe for a match.

The veteran has held the company’s top prize once before, holding the gold from Worlds End 2023 until Dynasty 2024, when he was beaten by Swerve Strickland.

Samoa Joe Is Beloved In AEW

Ahead of that match at WrestleDream, AEW commentator Tony Schiavone has been discussing Samoa Joe’s importance to the company. On the latest episode of his What Happened When podcast, Schiavone described Joe as one of the most professional people he’s ever worked with, highlighting his attitude backstage.

“He is one of the most professional guys I’ve ever worked with backstage, ever. When you tell Joe, ‘Hey, Joe, we got a pre-tape for you to do.’ He goes, ‘Okay,’ gets his Trios belt, or back when he had the World Title belt, got that, and will follow you and go do the pre-tape immediately.

Doesn’t say, ‘Well, I got to call my match, or I’ve got to go to catering.’ He’s just such a pro, and it’s been an absolute honor to be able to work with him.”

Schiavone added that Joe’s fellow professionals regularly watch Joe’s matches and look to learn from everything he does.

“Everybody respects Samoa Joe. Everybody. Everybody watches his matches, likes to learn from what he can do. He’s just wonderful. He’s got the respect of everyone backstage.”

Schiavone closed by saying that no one would begrudge Joe a second run with the World Championship.

Elsewhere on his podcast, Tony Schiavone admitted he’s got no interest in watching modern WWE as he doesn’t want what they’re doing to colour his work with AEW. However, he was quick to explain that this stance doesn’t stop him from enjoying old shows or classic matches.

The veteran announcer worked for between 1989 and 1990 before going onto become the voice of WCW.

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H/t to WrestlingNews.Co