Samoa Joe reflects on a scary situation.
In June 2015, Samoa Joe and TJ Wilson (aka Tyson Kidd) wrestled in a dark match under in WWE, with the former dropping the latter with a Muscle Buster. Unfortunately, the move’s impact resulted in a career-ending neck injury for Wilson and the fusion of his C1 and C2 vertebrae.
According to Joe, that instance may be the biggest regret of his career.
“To this day that probably remains the largest regret in my career, just that that happened,” Joe said during an interview on Insight With Chris Van Vliet. “[Chris: There’s nothing you could have done about it]. But that doesn’t change things for Tyson. Doesn’t change things for a guy who is probably one of the most passionate people in the world of professional wrestling, for a guy who has an amazing mind for it. WWE is fortunate to have him as their employee. Even though he’s not in a physical role within the company, the finishes, his ability to put together matches and be a producer and agent are unparalleled.”
Following his injury, which had a 5% survival rate, Wilson traded in his wrestling boots for a headset as he transitioned to work as a WWE producer, with a special focus on the WWE women’s division. He has remained in this role ever since.
Samoa Joe Recalls Look Of Concern From Cesaro
Looking back to 2015, Joe noted that he initially didn’t sense anything out of the ordinary during their match. Upon seeing Cesaro, Wilson’s tag team partner, at ringside, however, Joe noticed a look of worry smeared across his face.
“I know when Cesaro is concerned. Then I was like, ‘Oh my God, I hope everything is okay.’ Then we got in the back and he went to hospital and everything got checked out,” Joe recalled. “But I mean, the whole circumstances regarding that and everything, it just makes me sick to this day that that guy is not out there being the Tyson Kidd that I know that he is. He’s an amazing human being.
“He has a great understanding of a greater picture. When you talk about guys who are great finish men, guys who can produce, he’ll be heralded as one of the dudes there if he isn’t already.”
Samoa Joe also opened up about his potential plans for retirement, which could come sooner than some might expect.
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