Samoa Joe’s future in AEW is uncertain following reports of an injury sustained during training a few weeks ago. While the AEW commentary team described the setback as short-term and expects his return soon, no specific timeline has been provided. This injury has raised concerns about how The Opps faction, which Joe leads, will adapt to his absence.
Details about the nature of Joe’s injury remain undisclosed. Given his stature as the former AEW World Trios Champion and leader of The Opps, his unavailability could force significant changes in AEW’s plans, especially relating to his faction’s direction. Though Joe has named HOOK as the current leader of The Opps, AEW President Tony Khan might need to identify suitable replacements to maintain the faction’s momentum.
Potential New Members for The Opps
With Samoa Joe sidelined and Powerhouse Hobbs no longer part of the faction, The Opps are in need of reinforcement. Four wrestlers stand out as strong candidates to breathe new life into Joe’s group, each bringing unique strengths to complement the faction’s powerful wrestling style.
Lio Rush and Action Andretti: Dynamic Tag Team Duo
Lio Rush and Action Andretti have built a reputation as a compelling heel tag team within AEW, earning substantial screen time and fan interest. Their recent rise, under the CRU banner, positions them well as replacements for the departing and injured members of The Opps. While The Opps are known for their powerhouse abilities, Rush and Andretti bring a contrasting high-flying style that could diversify the faction’s in-ring tactics, potentially making them more dynamic and unpredictable.
Ortiz: Veteran Brawler Ready to Fill the Gap
Ortiz has been a fan favorite in AEW over the past several years and remains in excellent physical condition, still active on the independent circuit. His hard-hitting, brawling approach closely matches The Opps’ raw, physical style, making him a natural fit for the faction. Adding a seasoned wrestler like Ortiz would also enhance the group’s depth and experience, providing Tony Khan a fresh angle by turning Ortiz heel, a change that AEW audiences have yet to see.
Eddie Kingston: A Strong Contender for Samoa Joe’s Spot
Eddie Kingston shares a rich history with Samoa Joe, as the two clashed fiercely during a notable feud in late 2025. Due to this shared background and Kingston’s existing ties to HOOK—the current leader of The Opps—AEW could craft an intriguing storyline by installing Kingston as Joe’s replacement. This would mark a dramatic twist in AEW programming, sparking fresh intrigue and excitement.
HOOK’s familiarity with Kingston’s reputation could drive an angle where old rivalries are set aside for the greater purpose of strengthening the faction. Such a development could also signal a major heel turn for Kingston, an evolution that many fans regard as overdue and vital for his continued relevance in AEW. Additionally, securing Kingston in a prominent role could revitalize his momentum and open up new storyline possibilities.
What This Means for AEW and The Opps
Samoa Joe’s injury has the potential to reshape AEW’s faction landscape, particularly affecting The Opps’ future. Whether the company chooses to integrate high-flyers like Lio Rush and Action Andretti, add the veteran presence of Ortiz, or create a surprising twist with Eddie Kingston, these moves will significantly influence AEW’s storytelling and in-ring action.
The choices Tony Khan makes will not only determine The Opps’ trajectory but also impact the wider AEW roster and fan engagement. Replacing a key figure like Samoa Joe requires careful balancing of faction chemistry and fresh creative directions, ensuring The Opps remain a formidable force in AEW competitions and narratives.
Excalibur said on commentary that Samoa Joe was injured during training
💔#AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/dz7ZhJsiE6
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) January 29, 2026
