Tuesday afternoon, Samoa Joe, one of TNA’s longtime stars and locker room leaders, announced he had mutually agreed to part ways with the company. The move brought the end to a long tenure with TNA, one that left many within the industry surprised.
Several TNA stars took to Twitter to sound off on Joe’s departure:
To @SamoaJoe – 1 of the very best I’ve ever had the privilege to wrestle. Many Blessings to you and your future. I will remember the feuds
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) February 17, 2015
Best to @SamoaJoe in whatever path you take. Always loved working and talking with you. 10 great years with @IMPACTWRESTLING! — Mike Tenay (@RealMikeTenay) February 18, 2015
When you acquire an art, like calling a wrestling match, there are guys you look forward to calling. @SamoaJoe is one of those guys. #Thanks
— Josh Mathews (@realjoshmathews) February 18, 2015
Not gonna lie: pretty devastated that my big brother won’t be there next time I go to work. He’ll be more than fine. @SamoaJoe is all pro. — Magnus (@MagnusOfficial) February 18, 2015
Joe rised to independent wrestling fame after his epic matches with CM Punk across the country. He was signed to TNA in 2005 after several years with Ring of Honor, and immediately was seen as one of the company’s best.
In 10 years, he won the TNA World Heavyweight Championship just once, but was also a five-time X Division Champion. The 35-year-old is likely to head straight to the independent circuit, where others who have recently left the company have found much success.
Editor’s Note
Clearly, Joe is a guy everyone respects. Critically misused in TNA.