Samoa Joe On Dean Ambrose’s WWE Departure, Crafting Promos And Daniel Bryan’s ‘Plant-Based’ Championship

Samoa Joe recently spoke with The News Tribune ahead of Sunday’s WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.

Joe, who is competing for the WWE Championship inside the Chamber, was asked about Daniel Bryan’s new ‘eco’ championship, and said Bryan does care about the planet, but the title itself is more about ego:

“Daniel’s very, very passionate about the environment and I don’t knock the guy for it. We’ve got a beautiful planet and we should take care of it. That being said, it’s a bit ridiculous and it has more to do with his ego more than anything.”

Dean Ambrose’s announced WWE departure has also been a big story, and Samoa Joe had nothing but praise for The Lunatic Fringe’s abilities, and supported him for his decision:

“Dean’s a fantastic performer and there’s no doubt about it. Me saying that is like saying the sky is blue. As far as his departure, I think Dean’s the type of cat that he wants to do things that he’s into and if he’s not into what he’s doing at a certain time then he’ll have no problem stepping away and pursuing other things.

“If that’s the case then cool, more power to him. I think there are so many people who are wrapped up in the needs and wants of wanting to become a WWE superstar that they forget sometimes there other goals they want to achieve. I think Dean is a goal-oriented person and when he gets a goal in mind he’s going to try and accomplish it, more power to him. He will be missed.”

Samoa Joe has always been praised for his ability to cut a great promo, but he said there’s no set ‘blueprint’ on how he gets it done, and he just tries to feel out each situation:

“I’m not good with rehearsed lines; there’s a lot of things. I wish I could give you a short synopsis on what goes on with it, as far as my process goes, it’s a cadence, it’s timing, it’s feeling out the crowd. At the point when I start talking, do I need to wake them up a bit? Reading the situation and reading the crowd. That’s kind of overlooked, once you walk through that curtain and you’ve gotta read the vibe of the crowd.

“Sometimes you get out there and they smell blood in the water. They know you’re gonna go on attack mode and they’re waiting for you to say something messed up. I’m a big proponent for meaning what you say and it’s not always what you do or what you say but it’s how you do it or how you say it. I say things that get reactions out of people and if I can continue to keep getting those strong reactions then I’m gonna keep saying it.”

Read More: Samoa Joe On Why He Hasn’t Had A WWE Championship Run, Convincing ‘The Powers That Be’