Major Update On Samoa Joe’s AEW Return Plans

Amid Samoa Joe’s absence from AEW, an update has emerged about his return plans.

Joe was last featured in a singles match against Mike Bailey, which he won, on the January 21 episode of Dynamite. A week before that, he lost the AEW World Championship at Worlds End in December.

On January 28, commentator Excalibur confirmed that the 46-year-old had suffered a no-contact injury and was not medically cleared to compete.

Samoa Joe recently appeared on Monopoly Events, where he discussed his health. Judging by his update, fans may see the former champion inside the squared circle soon.

We’ll be back in AEW sooner rather than later. And aside from that, season three of Twisted Metal is coming soon. [H/T: Ringside News]

Hook Continues To Recruit For The Opps Amid Samoa Joe’s Absence

A couple of weeks ago, The Opps’ member Hook confirmed that Samoa Joe had named him the interim leader of the faction.

Along with Katsuyori Shibata, he has been busy recruiting new members ever since. Earlier in 2026, Powerhouse Hobbs, the fourth member of the group, left AEW and joined WWE, where he was repackaged as Royce Keys and debuted at the 2026 Royal Rumble.

On last week’s Collision, Hook was seen interacting with his real-life best friend Anthony Bowens, who approached him with the proposition of joining The Opps.

While Hook has yet to make a decision, he said that Bowens was under consideration.

Bowens has previously been a member of The Acclaimed alongside Max Caster and Billy Gunn. As a unit, they are a one-time former AEW Trios Champions.