Samoa Joe Then and Now

Samoa Joe Then

Nuufolau Joel “Joe” Seanoa, better known by his ring name Samoa Joe, was born on March 17, 1979, in Orange County, California. 

His early life was deeply influenced by his family’s cultural background and artistic pursuits. 

Seanoa’s parents founded “Tiare Productions,” a Polynesian dance troupe, in 1965, and Joe was immersed in this cultural environment from a young age. 

At just five years old, he took part in the opening ceremony of the 1984 Summer Olympics held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, showcasing his early talent and stage presence.

Growing up, Seanoa was not only involved in the performing arts but also excelled in sports. 

He achieved significant success as a California State Junior Judo Champion and was an all-league football player during his time at Ocean View High School. 

His athletic abilities extended to college, where he continued his football career. 

Despite his achievements in sports, Seanoa chose to explore a different career path before entering the world of professional wrestling. 

He worked as a mortgage broker, gaining valuable experience and skills in the business world.

Seanoa’s diverse experiences and talents laid a strong foundation for his future career. 

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His transition from a successful mortgage broker to a prominent figure in professional wrestling is a testament to his versatility and determination. 

As Samoa Joe, he would go on to make a significant impact in the wrestling industry, known for his intense in-ring style and charismatic presence.

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Samoa Joe Wrestling Career

Samoa Joe, born Nuufolau Joel Seanoa, began his professional wrestling journey in 1999 after discovering his passion for the sport through Jiu-Jitsu classes. 

He trained at the United Independent Wrestling Alliance (UIWA) West Coast Dojo, debuting as “Samoa Joe” in December 1999. 

His early career saw him make an impact in the California-based Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) where he won the UPW No Holds Barred Championship and the UPW Heavyweight Championship. 

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Despite a brief appearance on WWF Jakked, Joe was told he did not have a future with the WWF, but he continued to build his reputation in independent circuits and Japan.

Joe’s time in Japan was marked by significant achievements, including winning the inaugural Intercontinental Tag Team Championship in Pro Wrestling Zero-One. 

He also participated in notable tournaments like the Fire Festival. His tenure in Pro Wrestling Zero-One continued until 2003 when he showcased his skills in tag team and singles matches. 

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After establishing himself in independent promotions like IWA Mid-South and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, Joe’s reputation continued to grow.

In 2002, Joe joined Ring of Honor (ROH), where he quickly rose to prominence. He became ROH World Champion in March 2003, holding the title for a record 645 days. 

His reign included notable matches and feuds, including a highly acclaimed trilogy against CM Punk. 

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Joe’s dominance in ROH was followed by a successful stint in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he was known for his impressive undefeated streak and multiple title reigns, including the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and the TNA X Division Championship.

After leaving TNA in 2015, Joe joined WWE’s NXT brand, where he won the NXT Championship twice. 

His main roster debut in WWE came in January 2017, and he went on to win the WWE United States Championship twice. However, due to injuries, Joe transitioned into a color commentator role. 

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He was released from WWE in April 2021 but was rehired in June, capturing the NXT Championship a third time before being released again in January 2022.

Joe’s wrestling career extended into AEW and ROH following their merger, where he achieved further success by winning the AEW TNT Championship twice and the ROH World Television Championship once. 

His reign as ROH Television Champion set a new record for the longest title reign. 

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In December 2023, Joe made history by defeating MJF for the AEW World Championship, becoming the only wrestler to hold the AEW, ROH, and TNA World Championships.

Outside of wrestling, Samoa Joe has ventured into acting and voice acting. 

He gained recognition for his role as Sweet Tooth in the 2023 television series Twisted Metal and voiced King Shark in the 2024 video game Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. 

His diverse talents and contributions to both wrestling and entertainment highlight his multifaceted career.

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Samoa Joe Wrestling Competition

• Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW)
  • UPW No Holds Barred Championship
  • UPW Heavyweight Championship
• Pro Wrestling Zero-One (Zero-One)
  • Intercontinental Tag Team Championship
  • GHC Heavyweight Championship (Pro Wrestling Noah)
• Ring of Honor (ROH)
  • ROH World Championship
  • ROH Pure Championship
• Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)
  • TNA World Heavyweight Championship
  • TNA X Division Championship
  • TNA World Tag Team Championship
  • TNA Television Championship
• Inoki Dojo
  • ROH World Championship (defended in Inoki Dojo)
• WWE
  • NXT Championship
  • WWE United States Championship
• All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
  • AEW World Championship
  • AEW TNT Championship
• Ring of Honor (ROH, as part of AEW)
  • ROH World Television Championship

Samoa Joe Now

Samoa Joe, born Nuufolau Joel “Joe” Seanoa, is currently 45 years old and continues to make a significant impact in the world of professional wrestling. 

Known for his intense in-ring style and compelling presence, Samoa Joe has carved out a remarkable career that spans multiple major wrestling promotions. 

Currently, he is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he has achieved considerable success. 

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In AEW, Joe has held both the AEW TNT Championship and the AEW World Championship, showcasing his versatility and dominance in the ring.

Samoa Joe’s move to AEW was a notable moment in his career. After a successful run with various promotions, including Ring of Honor (ROH) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he accumulated numerous titles and accolades, Joe’s signing with AEW was announced by Tony Khan, the promotion’s owner and president. 

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This transition marked a new chapter for Joe, allowing him to bring his unique blend of athleticism and charisma to AEW’s growing roster. 

His presence in AEW not only adds depth to the promotion’s competitive landscape but also continues to highlight his status as one of wrestling’s most formidable and influential figures.

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Samoa Joe’s Net Worth

Samoa Joe, an American professional wrestler known for his impressive in-ring skills and championships, boasts a net worth of $3 million, reflecting his successful career and contributions to the sport.

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