Samoa Joe's TNA contract status has been the subject of discussion for several months. Last week, Joe took part in a media conference call and said that his TNA contract was expiring soon. We can confirm that Joe's comments were intended to play into the TNA storyline that Joe was unhappy with his TNA deal. In reality, Joe is signed to a longterm deal and will be with TNA for at least the next year.

However, PWInsider.com reports that an issue did arise recently surrounding the ownership and usage rights of the Samoa Joe name and character. Joe owns the name and character, however TNA wanted to have exclusive rights to license the name in the future. This would prevent Joe from going to another company in the future as "Samoa Joe". This issue has come up with the company before - with Low Ki (changed to "Senshi" in TNA) and Amazing Kong (now "Awesome Kong" in TNA).

The dispute went on for several weeks but has now been resolved - with Joe retaining the licensing rights to his name and character.