AEW's Samoa Joe Identifies Ways Modern Wrestling Has Improved On The Past

Samoa Joe has had a nearly three-decade long career in professional wrestling, and with his recent return to AEW following his latest filming schedule for "Twisted Metal," it doesn't look as though he's slowing down anytime soon. In February 2025, Joe formed The Opps faction within AEW, and in storyline, he has taken wrestlers like Hook and Katsuyori Shibata under his wing in order to elevate them.

Joe spoke about the next generation of wrestlers, like Hook and Action Andretti, on an episode of "SHAK Wrestling." He said there are two things this current generation of stars does better than his generation, and others of the past.

"I think adaptability and coordination are way better than they've probably been in years," Joe explained. "I think that you get a lot of people who maybe have more of a natural aptitude, but maybe less physical potential. I think that's kind of the best way to put it. But, you're finding people who are definitely, and I think you kind of see the same trend in MMA, where it's like you know in the lighter weight classes, you're going to see a lot more technicality. You're going to see a lot more skill."

Joe said you're likely to see closer matchups between more technical guys, ones who can take more punishment being in a lighter weight class. He said in the past, the scene was dominated by a more heavyweight style.

On the podcast, Joe also named the opponent who hit him the hardest in his career, fellow heavyweight, Brock Lesnar. The star has worked with plenty of more technical wrestlers, such as Bryan Danielson, throughout his lengthy career, however.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit "SHAK Wrestling" and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.